CARMEL, N.Y. (AP) - A panel of state lawmakers looking for ways to combat the rise in heroin and opioid abuse is holding the first of two forums in the Hudson River Valley.
The bipartisan Senate task force was created to study the problem of opiate abuse and recommend better treatment and prevention programs.
The group is meeting Thursday in Carmel. Another forum is scheduled for May 15 in Newburgh. The task force plans to hold a total of 12 forums around the state.
The task force is chaired by Republican Sen. Phil Boyle, who leads the Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
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