Issue Position: The Opioid Epidemic and Promoting Mental Health

Issue Position

Families in the Hudson Valley are suffering from the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic and insufficient mental health providers. Didi has been a longtime advocate for parity between physical and mental health services. In 2016, Assemblymember Barrett launched her Human Services Advisory Committee to bring together agency providers working in all these fields to share input on the state's work with their constituent communities. Among the addressed issues are workforce, direct care challenges and coordination with state agencies.

Additionally, Didi serves on the Mental Health Committee and carries legislation called "Outdoor Rx," which would create an outdoor recreation and therapy program for returning veterans, people in recovery, and those struggling with PTSD, or any physical or mental trauma.

Assemblymember Barrett is working with the Council on Addiction Prevention and Education (CAPE) of Dutchess County to develop a "recovery high school" in Dutchess County. Recovery high schools foster the rehabilitation of students diagnosed with substance use disorder and have been used with great success in other states.

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