County awards opioid settlement funds

ALBANY – Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy and the Albany County Legislature announced the award of $2,347,570 in Opioid Settlement Funded Community Grants to fourteen organizations focused on opioid use disorder prevention, treatment or recovery, as well as supportive services such as housing and transportation.

The funding will be used for new or expanded initiatives that were identified as priorities to ensure a long-term community recovery that will help curb the cycle of addiction.

“The opioid epidemic represents one of the most pressing public health crises of our time. I’m proud that Albany County was one of the first in the State to hold manufacturers and distributors accountable for the damage caused by these highly addictive opioids,” Albany County Executive Dan McCoy said. “No amount of money will change what has happened but these funds will empower local organizations to continue their vital work to address the root causes of opioid addiction and support those in recovery.”

Programs to train and maintain Certified Recovery Peer Advocates and Harm Reduction Educators, new policies to reduce the use of opioids for pain management at hospitals, enhanced signage and information at pharmacies regarding opioid risks and treatment options, research into the obstacles faced by individuals seeking addiction recovery, and support services such as transportation and housing assistance to those individuals leaving inpatient treatment are just a few of the projects that have been chosen.

“When it comes to the safety and health of our community, it’s crucial that we invest in prevention and recovery programs that provide essential support and that are run by professional teams who do the work twenty-four seven, seven days a week. These Opioid Settlement Funds are crucial for the treatment and supportive services that can help us fight this epidemic. Through this grant program, we’re sending a clear message that the Legislature, the County Executive’s office, and county departments have the backs of our community members, especially those going through a difficult period in their lives,” Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said.

“The opioid epidemic has had detrimental effects on the entirety of Albany County, in particular, the neighborhoods in my district such as North Albany and West Hill,” Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said. When we see a public health crisis of this magnitude take hold of communities and families, it’s our duty to develop solutions that we can implement quickly with the knowledge that it will make a positive impact.”

According to Willingham, there were over 126 overdose deaths last year in Albany County. She said studies show lower treatment rates amongst minority communities, making the need for local, community-based resources that much more important.

“The opioid epidemic is not just a public health issue but a complex social challenge that requires a comprehensive and sustained response. By investing in these programs, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of those struggling with addiction but also laying the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient community. Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said.

“In every corner of every community in Albany County we remain challenged by the impact of the opiate epidemic on a daily basis.  Tragically, lives continue to be damaged and lost.  Yet it is also true that every day in Albany County hundreds of lives are moving in a different direction towards regained health and lasting recovery as a consequence of prevention efforts, harm reduction interventions, treatment services and recovery supports,” Albany County Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Stephen Giordano said.

Opioid Settlement Award Recipients

• Albany Medical College/Center II $170,321
• Second Chance Opportunities  $175,000
• Healthy Capital District $175,000
• Albany Medical College/Center I $175,000
• Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Collaboratory $166,080
• Lincoln Pharmacy $174,208
• Colonie EMS II $175,000
• Addiction Care Centers of Albany $175,000
• Catholic Charities Care Coordination $175,000
• CPESN NY LLC $174,891
• Colonie EMS I  $175,000
• IPH $175,000
• Senior Hope Counseling $87,070
• Hive of Hope $175,000

Total of $2,347,570

This announcement follows the launch of a new program last week to make Naloxone (or NARCAN) more readily available in the community. Albany County has entered into a new partnership with Catholic Charities to provide businesses throughout the County with NARCAN and fentanyl test strip kits. Businesses interested in obtaining these free kits should call the County Executive’s office at (518) 447-7040.

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