Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation to combat the heroin and opioid crisis in New York State on Wednesday.

The comprehensive package of bills were passed as part of the 2016 Legislative Session— it looks to pit a dent in the opioid epidemic by increasing access to treatment, expanding community prevention strategies, and limiting the over-prescription of opioids in New York.

“New York is leading the way forward in the fight against heroin and opioid addiction, and with this legislation, we are taking an affirmative stand for our families and communities who have suffered from this epidemic’s debilitating effects,” Governor Cuomo said. “I commend the Senate and the Assembly for their hard work and dedication to stopping this epidemic and creating a stronger and healthier New York.”

The comprehensive legislative package limits opioid prescriptions from 30 to 7 days, requires mandatory prescriber education on pain management to stem the tide of addiction and eliminates burdensome insurance barriers to treatment.

The bill also expands support for New Yorkers in recovery, increases treatment beds by 270 and adds 2,335 program slots for substance use disorder in New York.

For more information, visit: combatheroin.ny.gov.

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