Albany County Republican & Conservative Conference Agenda 

(County Legislator Zach Collins at Health Committee Meeting

Photo: Albany County Republican & Conservative Conference)

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ALBANY, NY – The Albany County Republican & Conservative Conference today supported a resolution authorizing the acceptance of more than $1.5 million in State Opioid Settlement Funds. At the Health Committee meeting, County Legislator Zach Collins took the opportunity to voice his support, ask critical questions, and ensure that funding provided by the state will be put towards proven treatment, recovery and prevention efforts to combat the ongoing heroin and opioid epidemic.

 

“More than $1.5 million in state settlement funds will go a long way in our fight against the deadly scourge of heroin, opioids and fentanyl in our communities. We have lost far too many lives to this epidemic, and we cannot afford to go backwards as a County. I sincerely hope this funding is put to good use, and distributed towards what we know are proven treatment, recovery and prevention efforts. Our neighbors are counting on us to put aside the politics and work together in a bipartisan fashion to accomplish this,” said County Legislator Zach Collins, District 37.

 

“As a member of the American Rescue Plan Act Subcommittee on Public Health, I fought to use critical federal funding in the battle against substance abuse in Albany County. I proudly stand with my Republican and Conservative colleagues to support the acceptance of these additional funds. We must leave no stone unturned in the fight against the opioid epidemic. Countless residents in our communities are depending on us to distribute this money for rehabilitation, not enabling those struggling with addiction,” said County Legislator Jennifer Whalen, District 21.

 

At the Health Committee meeting, County Legislator Collins also took the opportunity to ask critical questions about how and where the funding will be distributed. In particular, the phrase “harm reduction,” which connotes “safe injection sites,” among other debatable government programs, was called into question.

 

In New York City, there is already one so-called “safe injection site” open, with plans for at least five by 2025 – even though there is no proof they work, they flout federal law, and they leave surrounding communities frustrated and with a decreased quality of life. Multiple state lawmakers have recently signaled support for the sites, although Governor Hochul’s position remains unclear.

 

The Albany County Republican and Conservative Conference will continue to strongly support proven treatment, recovery, and prevention efforts to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic. The Conference will OPPOSE the opening of any potential “safe injection sites” in Albany County.