Governor Kathy Hochul announced the complete allocation of approximately $192.8 million from opioid settlements, directed to enhance services for New Yorkers grappling with addiction. This funding marks a significant stride in the state’s mission to address the opioid crisis and reform mental health care. The total sum, allocated to initiatives across New York, supports prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction efforts.
The state’s Attorney General, Letitia James, stated that the initial distribution is part of the over $2 billion secured through litigation against opioid manufacturers. This investment aims to rebuild communities and prevent further opioid-related harm. New York’s multifaceted strategy under Hochul’s administration targets expanding access to care, evidenced by the state’s introduction of mobile medication units and widespread distribution of naloxone kits to combat overdoses.
The Opioid Settlement Fund supports a plethora of programs, including scholarships for addiction services professionals, low-threshold buprenorphine services, and expansion of syringe service programs. New York continues to be a national example in transparency of fund disbursement, with detailed tracking available on the OASAS website. This comprehensive effort is part of a broader $1 billion plan to bolster mental health care and addiction services statewide.
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