Senator Ayotte Faces Heroin Epidemic Head on with Local Forum
August 28, 2015
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- Staff photo by Doug Robinson Senator Kelly Ayotte is greeted by Salem Police Chief Paul Donovan and NH State Senate President Chuck Morse.
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- Staff photo by Doug Robinson Salem Police Chief Paul Donovan introduces Senator Kelly Ayotte to the panel.
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- Staff photo by Doug Robinson Pam Santa Fe (middle), prevention coordinator for Derry Public Health, addresses questions from Senator Ayotte while Chief Justice Tina Nadeau, NH Superior Court; and Chief Professional Officer Conlin Hanlon, Salem Boys and Girls Club; look on.
by Doug Robinson
Senator Kelly Ayotte invited an extensive panel of professionals to discuss the heroin epidemic that is sweeping New Hampshire. The professional group that met on Aug. 14 at Fisk School involved several law enforcement agencies, NH courts, the State Senate, medical and health care professionals, first responders, and educational leaders within the Salem community.
“New Hampshire is facing a growing heroin and prescription drug abuse epidemic,” commented Sen. Ayotte. “Responding to this crisis will take a coordinated effort across federal, state, and local governments, and is committed to pursuing legislative solutions in the Senate.”
Senator Ayotte has “seen firsthand the devastating effects of this crisis.” These visits and her experiences meeting with families and loved ones of overdose victims have led Kelly to introduce numerous pieces of bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the heroin and prescription drug abuse crisis, according to Senator Ayotte’s office.
“We cannot arrest our way out of this problem,” continued Ayotte. The Salem meeting was the third one Ayotte has conducted. The purpose of the forum was to not only discuss the problem, but also to brainstorm “best practices and strategies that will save lives.”
