Delgado Announces State of Union Guest on House Floor, Speaks on Importance of Addressing Opioid Epidemic

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) spoke on the House floor to announce that he will bring Chatham Police Chief Peter Volkmann to the State of the Union on Tuesday, February 4. Chief Volkmann developed the successful “Chatham Cares 4 U” program which creates pathways to recovery for those struggling with addiction. During his remarks, Rep. Delgado highlights the importance of the “Chatham Cares 4 U” initiative and urges bipartisan, comprehensive solutions to address the opioid crisis. Below is a video and transcript of his remarks.

Click here to watch Rep. Delgado’s full remarks.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chatham Police Chief Peter Volkmann, my guest for the State of the Union address.  Chief Volkmann has been a pioneer in addressing the opioid epidemic in upstate New York, and founded the highly successful ‘Chatham Cares 4 U’ program.

“Chatham Cares 4 U encourages residents struggling with the disease that is addiction to walk into the police station, turn over their drugs, and ask for help. Instead of being charged, individuals are placed into a treatment program regardless of financial means or their insurance coverage.

“This highly successful initiative has been modeled throughout our region, and I was proud to have Chief Volkmann share his success with our community at my Opioid Epidemic Panel last year.

“Our work to address this urgent priority is ongoing and will require both the attention and continued cooperation of all levels of government, law enforcement and our first responders. In that vein, I hope to hear from the President on Tuesday that he is committed to bipartisan, comprehensive solutions to address the opioid crisis in upstate New York and all across this country. I yield back.”