Two months ago, I was named to the New York State Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction. The task force was established to study the alarming rise in use of heroin and opioids which is tearing communities and families apart. I knew then that we were facing a serious problem, and now, after digging even deeper into the issue, I fully understand just how severe and widespread this epidemic has become.

Over the past nine weeks, task force members held 18 forums across New York, bringing together experts in addiction treatment, law enforcement officials, and individuals who told personal stories of heroin’s destruction.

I hosted one of the forums in Oneonta and a courageous mother, Deb France, told her devastating story. Deb’s son Jeremy became addicted to painkillers following a dental procedure. His addiction, which led him to heroin, spiraled out of control and he later committed suicide. During his darkest days, Jeremy’s parents were forced to battle insurance companies to help him receive doctor recommended in-patient treatment. This simply is unacceptable.