Opioid abuse discussion on Nov. 14
ALBANY, NY >> New York State Assemblymember John McDonald is speaking at an upcoming Albany Roundtable event about opioid abuse.
The assemblyman, who is also a pharmacist at Marra’s Pharmacy in Cohoes, will talk about his efforts to address the opioid crisis on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the University Club of Albany.
As a practicing pharmacist, McDonald knows firsthand the challenges individuals face with prescription opiate abuse and street heroin abuse. He has sponsored legislation that was signed into law that provides treatment for opioid addiction.
The bill authorizes the creation of a demonstration program with the goal of diverting those who do not need in-hospital treatment to more appropriate services and facilities for detox.
This is meant to reduce emergency room costs, provide alternative short-term care, and test the effectiveness of new approaches to treatment options.
He has also sponsored and supported legislation to address other longstanding issues including insurance reforms to improve treatment options for individuals suffering from addiction.
In addition, McDonald has been a part of measures to increase penalties on those who sell or provide opiates or heroin illegally, provisions to provide naloxone, an overdose antidote, to those who need it, and a public awareness campaign to further educate and share the message to prevent drug abuse.
McDonald is serving his third term in the New York State Assembly representing the 108th Assembly District, which consists of parts of Albany, Rensselaer and Saratoga Counties. It includes Cohoes, his hometown where he previously served as mayor for 13 years.
As a member of the Assembly, McDonald serves on the Aging, Alcoholism & Substance Abuse, Cities, Higher Education, Real
Property Taxation and Ways and Means committees.
He has worked on legislation pertaining to reducing unfunded mandates to local governments, containing property taxes, job growth and creation, sensible health care and an aggressive and complete attack on the heroin/opioid crisis that is ravaging our state and our communities.
The cost for the luncheon is $20, which may be paid at the door. The roundtable also offers its guests the option of paying in advance with a credit card at www. albanyroundtable.com.
The University Club will serve a hot and cold buffet from noon to 1:00 p.m., with the program commencing at 12:30 p.m.
Reservations for the Nov.14 luncheon are required by Monday, Nov. 12, and may be made by prepaying online, by calling and leaving a message to register at (518) 992-5360, or by sending an e-mail to albanyroundtable@gmail.com.