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Opioid Crisis

WXXI, in partnership with public broadcasting stations across New York state, will air special programming examining the opioid crisis during the week of Oct. 15.New York’s Opioid Crisis is a first-of-its-kind partnership to draw attention to this public health crisis and raise awareness of services available in local communities for those affected by opioid addiction.Support for opioid crisis programming on WXXI is provided in part by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. A complete list of programs can be found here: WXXI.org/opioid-prog.We want to hear what you have to say about opioid and heroin use in our community. Please click on this link to take a short survey.

Recovery group praises Cuomo's tough talk on opioids

WXXI News | By Associated Press

Published January 8, 2018 at 12:02 AM EST

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A group representing substance abuse treatment professionals is praising new proposals from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to crack down on the opioid epidemic.

John Coppola, executive director of the New York Association of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers, said Cuomo's proposal was "loud and clear" that addiction prevention, treatment and recovery must be a priority.

In his state of the state address to lawmakers Wednesday, Cuomo said the state would sue pharmaceutical companies that violate rules on prescription monitoring and reporting. The Democrat also vowed to make it easier for more New Yorkers to get the help they need.

Coppola said lawmakers and Cuomo must now ensure they put enough funding in next year's budget to carry out the proposals.