A Call for Broader Attack on Heroin in NY

New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo's plan to combat a rise in heroin use doesn't go far enough, according to advocates who represent programs for substance abusers.

Last week, the Governor announced he's adding 100 narcotics investigators to State Police drug units and supplying all first responders with a heroin overdose kit. He said he's also making heroin awareness part of every student orientation at public college and university campuses.

John Coppola, the Executive Director of the New York Association of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers, says the awareness program needs to reach more young people.

“It should be in every college campus, every high school and every elementary school,” Coppola said.

Coppola said prevention and on-demand treatment are key. 

"It is unimaginable that [addicts] would be told, 'I'm sorry there's a waiting list,' or 'I'm sorry, there's no treatment available in this community.'"

Part of Governor Cuomo's plan is to ensure services are provided to students seeking drug treatment.