WALSH ANNOUNCES THIRD MAJOR POLICY INITIATIVE;
"HOPE FOR ROCKLAND" WILL ADDRESS THE OPIOID AND HEROIN
EPIDEMIC IN ROCKLAND COUNTY
NEW CITY, NY... Surrounded by representatives from Hope Not Handcuffs,
Piermont Police Chief Mike O'Shea, and members of the community, Judge
Tom Walsh announced his third major policy initiative of the campaign,
"Hope for Rockland." Under the initiative, the Rockland County District
Attorney's office will focus its attention and resources towards combatting
the Opioid and Heroin Crisis afflicting our communities.
"As District Attorney, I am responsible for prosecuting those who break our
laws. However, the ultimate goal of the Rockland County District Attorney’s
office is to provide a safe community for all of us to raise our families,"
Judge Walsh said. "In dealing with the heroin and opioid crisis we must
come to terms with the fact that we will not be able to prosecute our way
out of this epidemic. We need to make sure that our community extends a
helping hand to those who have fallen victim to this highly addictive
narcotic."
Judge Walsh's plan will focus on four important areas:
Helping But Firm Hand;
Offering treatment alternatives to incarceration;
Proactive Law Enforcement measures; and
Education
"This crisis requires a multifaceted approach and the cooperation of our
medical and treatment professionals, elected leaders, law enforcement, the
courts, and the community at large," declared Judge Walsh. "We must use
every resource available to help those struggling with addiction, which is
why I'm proud to work with law enforcement and organizations such as
Hope Not Handcuffs and the Rockland Council on Alcoholism and Other
Drug Dependents to tackle this crisis head on."
In addition, Judge Walsh will work with local and state legislators to
propose legislation that requires all public buildings to have Narcan on site;
offer free trainings on how to administer Narcan; and work with our local
municipalities, law enforcement, and pharmacies to hold monthly Drug Take
Back Days.
"The opioid epidemic is now responsible for approximately 130 deaths a day
nationwide and meaningful action must be taken to address this problem."
Judge Walsh concluded, "My initiative “Hope for Rockland," offers the right
balance of enforcement and a greater focus on prevention, treatment, and

 alternative to incarceration programs to address this crisis. Together we
can provide “Hope” for Rockland in battling this epidemic and save lives."