BINGHAMTON – NY Senator Fred Akshar (R-52nd District) hosted the first Heroin Task Force meeting in the Southern Tier last week, bringing statewide attention of the heroin epidemic to the local region.

The Task Force panel of more than 25 local experts in the fields of addiction treatment, healthcare, and law enforcement convened at the Chenango Valley High School on Wednesday. The panel also consisted of parents and family members who have first-hand experience of the affects of opioid addiction.

Wednesday’s hearing focused on three goals: explore successes in the battle against heroin addiction; identify the remaining gaps in services; and discuss the state’s role in reducing barriers to care and strengthening its approach to addiction.