News From the Nation
Partnering In the Fight Against Addiction
Photography By: Stephanie Crowley
No community is exempt from the effects of drug addiction, and Western New York is no exception. The President of the Seneca Nation, Barry E. Snyder, Sr., recently held a forum with Tribal Councilors and New York State Senators to discuss the impact of heroin and opioid addiction on the community. The forum also featured testimonials from recovering addicts as well as their families, and they spoke about the effects and struggles of being addicted to these drugs. Senator Catharine Young noted that the forum brought together concerned and affected citizens from across the region to discuss this epidemic. “It marks the first time that state and tribal governments have joined forces and held an official collaborative effort,” she said. “We recognized the need to work together on finding effective solutions.” President Snyder remarked, “This is a historic event. The New York State Senate and Seneca Nation leadership understand that the drug issue knows no boundaries, and we welcome the state’s task force to our territory to work together towards a common goal.”
Topics that were discussed at the forum included addiction treatment and prevention, drug related criminal activity, and the negative social impacts of drug abuse.
“This is a historic event” Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder Sr. The information that was gathered in this panel will be used as part of a series of bills designed to create policy solutions in several key areas, such as prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. The senate is aiming to have the bills passed this summer.
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