Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz outlined his vision to battle the heroin epidemic during his annual state of the county address Thursday.
He wants to create a central screening, information, and referral line for individuals and families struggling with addiction. He says this will provide a central hub to link addicts with treatment.
Poloncarz believes it will also reinforce the community's response to the issue.
"We cannot say a problem exists and we need to address it then reject funding for the programs that can help reduce the problem," said Polonzarz.
The County Executive also announced that he had become a member of a 20-person National commission that will work to create a nation-wide solution to the epidemic.
