New York is pumping millions into addiction care and support programs through the latest round of opioid settlement funding.
On Wednesday, the state’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) announced more than $9.6 million in grants aimed at helping people impacted by the opioid crisis. The funding will support two key initiatives: outreach to high-need individuals and free transportation to addiction services.
Outreach where it’s needed most
Roughly $5.4 million is going to the “In-Community” initiative, which sends trained outreach teams into places like jails, shelters, parks, and hospitals to connect people with substance use services. Some care will also be offered via telehealth.
Ten providers across New York received funding, including Delphi Rise in the Finger Lakes and The REACH Project in the Southern Tier. Each will use the money to reach people who often face the biggest barriers to care.
Help getting to care
The remaining $4.2 million will support non-medical transportation — helping people get to doctor’s appointments, job interviews, and other key stops on their recovery journey.
Since this program began in 2024, it’s already provided over 40,000 rides statewide. In the Finger Lakes, Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency (FLACRA) will receive $300,000 to continue those efforts through 2029.
OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said the goal is to meet people where they are and make it easier for them to connect with life-saving services.
“This funding builds on our ongoing work, which has already helped thousands of New Yorkers,” she said.
A broader push to fight the crisis
New York has received over $2 billion in total opioid settlement funds, more than any other state. A portion of that money goes directly to local governments, with the rest used to expand prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts statewide.
OASAS oversees one of the largest addiction services networks in the country, with around 1,700 programs serving over 731,000 people each year.
Help is always available. Anyone struggling with addiction can call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) 24/7.
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