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OHKAY OWINGEH, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich is planning a community discussion in northern New Mexico to address the state's growing heroin and prescription drug addiction epidemic.
The New Mexico Democrat will tour treatment centers in the Espanola Valley before arriving at the pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh for the discussion Wednesday afternoon.
Members of the Rio Arriba Community Health County will be among those participating.
Between 2010 and 2014, Rio Arriba County's drug overdose death rate was 78.4 deaths per 100,000. That was the highest rate in the state.
Heinrich is supporting federal legislation that would provide $600 million in emergency funding for substance abuse programs nationwide. The bill would also provide a series of incentives and resources designed to encourage states and local communities to pursue proven strategies to combat addiction.
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