Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new scholarship program to bolster addiction services, as New York grapples with a significant increase in overdose fatalities, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly $3 million in settlement funding will be allocated towards this initiative, aiming to strengthen the state’s addiction support infrastructure and aid those impacted by the opioid and overdose crisis.
The scholarships will facilitate students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in addiction studies or fulfilling education requirements for the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports. The funding, obtained through the opioid settlement fund, will benefit programs at Alfred State College, Stony Brook University, and Empire State University. Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports lauded the initiative, highlighting the critical role of these professionals in providing life-saving support.
The colleges are set to receive varying amounts for scholarships: Alfred State College will get $492,500 supporting 125 students, Stony Brook University is allocated $1.4 million for 200 people seeking certification, and Empire State University will receive $1 million. The investment is part of a broader effort to strengthen the state’s addiction workforce and provide much-needed services to communities affected by addiction.
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