Albany, NY, Jan 13, 2012 — State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is again pushing for legislation to create an online database to report and track the use of prescription narcotic drugs. On Wednesday, Schneiderman announced that his Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing Act, which he proposed last year, has bipartisan support in the Legislature. He also issued a report that details the growing prescription drug abuse problem in every corner of the state, including the North Country. Chris Knight has our story.  Go to full article

Nov 09, 2005 — In the race for St. Lawrence County District Attorney, Democrat Nicole Duvé upset acting district attorney Gary Miles, a Democrat running on the Republican line. Duvé won by almost 4,000 votes. As David Sommerstein reports, the convincing win ends a bitter campaign.  Go to full article

Nov 03, 2005 — The candidates for St. Lawrence County District Attorney are entering the home stretch of what could be a closely contested race. Acting DA Gary Miles is running on the Republican ticket, even though he's a Democrat. He face a strong challenge from Democratic candidate Nicole Duvé. As David Sommerstein reports, the campaign has been a bitter one, with controversy surrounding a crackdown on prescription drugs.  Go to full article

Oct 05, 2005 — The two candidates for district attorney in St. Lawrence County faced off in a debate last week. Republican Gary Miles and Democrat Nicole Duve clashed over several issues, including the case of a doctor who surrendered his medical license rather than face charges for overprescribing drugs. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

May 24, 2005 — A St. Lawrence County doctor was arrested last week for allegedly prescribing painkillers to addicted clients who didn't need them. The case is drawing attention to how prescription narcotics are controlled in New York. Dr. Gail DeHart of Gouverneur was charged with third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. DeHart's lawyer, Ed Menkin of Syracuse, declined to comment on the case, saying he had yet to meet with his client. Experts say abuse of prescription drugs is a growing problem nationwide, especially among young people. A new state law taking effect next year will require doctors to use official prescription forms, so the health department can better track prescription narcotics. David Sommerstein spoke with Dr. John Dewar, a family physician based in Potsdam. He's medical director of Canton-Potsdam Hospital's chemical dependency unit. He says he deals with 150 to 200 clients a year who are addicted to prescription drugs.  Go to full article

Dec 02, 2004 — Because Canada's federal government regulates drug prices, name brand medications are far cheaper north of the border. The Bush Administration -- and the American drug industry -- have worked to block re-importation of prescription drugs. The Food and Drug Administration describes the practice as illegal and unsafe. Critics say drug companies just want to protect their profits. And with tens of thousands of Americans already buying their medications north of the border, the Federal government faces growing pressure to shift its policy. As Brian Mann reports, several states are already experimenting with pilot programs designed to make drug imports from Canada more reliable.  Go to full article

Nov 27, 2003 — A state office worker union says it has an idea to help New York lawmakers plug a looming gap in the budget - buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada. Karen DeWitt reports from Albany.  Go to full article

Mar 18, 2003 — As the cost of prescription drugs skyrockets, senior citizens who need them to survive are increasingly looking North. The Canadian International Pharmacy Association estimates more than a million Americans bought their drugs in Canada last year. They can cost a third the price of the same drug sold in the U.S. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is vowing to crack down on the practice. One of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, GlaxoSmithKline, has stopped selling to Canadian pharmacies that do business with Americans. In response, senior citizen groups across the country are boycotting some of Glaxo's products. David Sommerstein reports on one such protest in Potsdam.  Go to full article

Aug 15, 2002 — David Sommerstein talks with Robert Miller, regional director of the New York Statewide Senior Action Council, which is holding its annual "Seniorama" at the Mohawk Bingo Palace in Akwesasne today.  Go to full article