Hanna, Local Officials Discuss Heroin Epidemic

The heroin epidemic that's sweeping Central New York and the nation was the topic of discussion at the Oneida County Office Building today.

Congressman Richard Hanna was joined by local officials, including County Executive Anthony Picente, Sheriff Rob Maciol and Senator Joseph Griffo, to discuss passage of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.

Hanna says CARA will will award grant funding to states, expand access to treatment and tighten prescription drug controls.

Cassandra Sheets of the Center for Family Life and Recovery welcomes the bi-partisan legislation.  She says the nation is in agreement that addiction is an issue that needs to be dealt with.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the legislation will reduce the federal deficit by $47 billion over ten years.

The legislation is on the President's desk.