Politics & Government

Saladino Calls for Real Time Drug Database

Assemblyman releases drug awareness tool kit.

Calling on parents to talk to their children about the dangers of drug use during the holiday season, , R-Massapequa, said he'd like to see the state create a database to track drug prescriptions.

At a press conference with members of Saladino's Heroin and Prescription Drug Abuse task force on Wednesday, Saladino said the creation of the database is one of the most important pieces of anti-drug legislation in Albany.

Among those also in attendence were Oyster Bay Councilman Joseph Pinto and Drug Free Long Island Founder

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"There are so many bills out there waiting to be passed," he said. "But we recognize the importance of a real time database that medical providers, doctors, dentists, [physician assistants], and pharmacists can check to make sure that we put a stop to doctor shoppers, drug shoppers and people who would take advantage of the system."

Saladino said that there's already a version of the database bill that's passed the state Senate, and he promised a "big push" to get a bill passed in the Assembly when the legislature returns to session in January.

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"We will be trying to get a workable compromise that addresses everyone's concerns so that it's done safely, it's done correctly and effectively," he said.

Saladino also announced the release of a new pamphlet designed as a drug prevention tool for families. 

The guide, which will be mailed out to residents of his district and will be available on his website, gives warning signs of possible prescription drug and heroin use and tells how to to take precautions. 

It also lists the names and contact information of organizations that can provide help to those who take drugs.

Another part of the pamphlet can be torn off and is designed to be put on the door of medicine cabinets. It allows families to keep track of when medications are prescribed, when they are taken and their expiration dates.

"In this way you can get a handle on what's going on in your home, protect your children and stop one of the methods in which prescription drugs are getting into the hands of young people," Saladino said.

Members of the task force also urged parents to take the time to talk to their children about drugs when they're home for the holiday season.

Jamie Bogenshutz of , which hosted the press conference, said: "Any holiday is an occassion to have a conversation with your children."

Bogenshutz said parents should take any opportunity to bring up the subject, whether it be an artcle they read, a commercial or something they might have heard on the radio.

"Really just opening up the lines of communication and just starting to talk, for some parents that's a big challenge," she said. "It's not just for holidays, it's for every day."


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