10.15.18 - Public Television to Examine the Opioid Crisis in NYS
'APBS announced today that public broadcasting stations across New York State will air special programing examining the opioid crisis during the week of October 14, 2018. “New York’s Opioid Crisis” is a first of its kind partnership to draw attention to this public health crisis and raise awareness of services available in local communities for those impacted by opioid addiction.'
'Public broadcasting is renowned for its thoughtful and thorough approach to public affairs and social issues, and “New York’s Opioid Crisis” will touch on topics as wide-ranging as the science of addiction, reducing the stigma of addiction and recovery, opioids and the arts, opioid addiction among veterans, and what public health officials are doing to combat the problem.'
'APBS also announced that this special programming was made possible through a unique partnership with the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). “New York is holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their contribution to the opioid crisis, and making significant investments in treatment and recovery services to help individuals struggling with addiction on the path to recovery,”said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Co-Chair of the State Heroin and Opioid Abuse Task Force. “This programming that will be aired across the state will raise awareness about the serious issue affecting our communities, and help to prevent drug abuse and ensure all New Yorkers lead healthy and safe lives.”'
'“New York is working tirelessly to provide comprehensive prevention, treatment and recovery services that fully support individuals and families in need,” said Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez.“This collaborative effort with public broadcasters across the State will not only increase awareness about the hardships of addiction, but will also help to expand our ability to promote the availability of the many valuable life-saving resources.”'
'“The opioid crisis isn’t someone else’s problem anymore,” said Christopher Goeken, Executive Director of the Association of Public Broadcasting Stations of New York (APBS). “It is a crisis that stretches from the largest metropolitan area in the country, to rural areas in the Southern Tier and the North Country, and every community in between. New York’s public broadcasting stations are thrilled to partner with Commissioner Gonzalez-Sanchez and her team at OASAS to bring this special programming to the viewing and listening public.”'
'“New York’s Opioid Crisis” brings together nine PBS television stations and five NPR stations in a first of its kind effort to focus on a single issue across multiple platforms broadcast television, radio, podcasts, online streaming, social media, and more.'