On January 22 - 23, 2009, the Drug Policy Alliance and the New York Academy of Medicine brought together over 300 conference participants representing community advocates, researchers, service providers and legislators from all over the state in order to build a public health and safety approach to drug policy. 

At Thursday night’s event, New York State Assembly Speaker Silver released his very first policy position paper, making his commitment to reform clear. "This evening, I am proud to tell you on behalf of my Assembly Majority colleagues that this year -- 2009 -- is the year we finally enact real reform of the Rockefeller Drug Laws," said Silver. "This is the year when we begin to transform drug policy in the state of New York." 

His sentiments were echoed by the incredible number of elected and appointed officials from New York State and City who participated on Thursday night and Friday as either featured speakers or conference participants. 

"Although the event is over, it really marks a beginning," said gabriel sayegh, Director of the State Organizing and Policy Project, who called the conference a "truly remarkable gathering." He worked with 15 sponsor and 71 partner organizations to spread the word. "Together, we can take New York City and State in a new direction: one focused on public health approaches to drug policy."

The Drug Policy Alliance and the New York Academy of Medicine are committed to helping bring about this new direction in New York’s drug policies. Find out more about the New York Academy of Medicine’s ongoing research and policy work on substance use issues at www.nyam.org.