Albany County Republican & Conservative Conference Agenda 

ALBANY COUNTY GOP CONFERENCE CONFIRMS OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS CANNOT BE USED FOR “SAFE INJECTION SITES”

After Questioning by GOP Legislators, County Officials Confirm Opioid Settlement Funding CANNOT be used for Illegal “Safe Injection Sites”

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(Legislative Minority Leader Frank A. Mauriello at Health Committee Meeting

Photo: Albany County Republican & Conservative Conference)

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ALBANY, NY – The Albany County Republican and Conservative Conference this week confirmed that State Opioid Settlement Funds cannot be used to open any so-called “safe injection sites” in the County.

“We hear tragic stories every day about the scourge of heroin, opioids, and fentanyl in our communities. Our Republican and Conservative Conference will continue to be a strong proponent of the State Opioid Settlement Funds and any other tools we have in our County’s fight against this epidemic. I am glad to confirm with the Department of Mental Health that none of these funds can be used to open ‘safe injection sites’ in our County. My colleagues and I will continue to look for clear-headed solutions to end this epidemic, and fight for total transparency for the taxpayers of our County,” said Minority Leader Frank A. Mauriello.

Earlier this year, the Albany County Republican and Conservative Conference announced its support for the acceptance of more than $1.5 million in State Opioid Settlement Funds. At a March meeting of the Health Committee, our Conference members asked critical questions about how and where the funding will be distributed. In particular, the phrase “harm reduction,” which connotes many debatable government programs, was called into question.

At this week’s meeting of the Legislative Health Committee, county officials confirmed that these funds cannot legally be used for “safe injection sites.”

The Republican and Conservative Conference has continually supported using the funds on proven treatment, recovery and prevention efforts, such as public education, mobile response, assisted diversion and Narcan distribution. Our Conference members will continue to unanimously oppose the opening of any “safe injection sites” in Albany County.