$22 Million from New York State Opioid Settlement Fund Goes into Action Statewide

A shot of an empty parking lot in Amherst, New York.Photo byPhoto by J.M. Lesinski

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that roughly $22 million from the New York State Opioid Settlement Fund will be going forward as funding for a wide variety of addiction treatment, prevention, recovery, and harm reductions services across New York state.

“The opioid and overdose epidemic has impacted far too many New Yorkers, and this settlement fund is an opportunity for us to hold manufacturers and distributors responsible for the devastating harm they have caused,” Hochul stated of the funding. “We continue to work with the Settlement Board to distribute this funding to the organizations and communities that need it most, so that they can continue their ongoing work to support those affected by the opioid crisis and save lives.”

Awards will serve to fund providers to establish coalitions and support expansions of existing services, as well as new “Connections to Care” services in priority populations.

“This is vital funding that will provide an opportunity to establish new services, as well as expand and enhance existing services in order to provide a full continuum of addiction care throughout New York State,” remarked New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham of the funding. “Our focus at OASAS is to make sure all New Yorkers have access to the services and supports they need to improve their health, no matter where they live or what level of help they need.”

All funding will be distributed by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports through New York State’s Opioid Settlement Fund.

“This investment into addiction treatment and prevention will save lives,” New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan commented of the funding. “By prioritizing underserved communities and high-needs individuals, we can help to ensure that the people who most need these services will be able to access them. These services will provide integrated, person-centered care that will focus on each person’s needs and goals.”