By Forum Staff
Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced the launch of further funding opportunities to develop harm reduction interventions for priority populations who are particularly vulnerable to overdose, as well as study fatalities connected to opioids statewide. The New York State Department of Health recently posted two new Requests for Applications and directed additional investments in several harm reduction programs financed through the State’s Opioid Settlement Fund. These investments represent one component of Governor Hochul’s comprehensive approach to addressing New York State’s opioid crisis.
“The opioid crisis is not just a public health issue – it is a crisis of humanity that touches every corner of the state,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding underscores our commitment to holding manufactures and distributors accountable while ensuring affected communities have the resources and compassion needed to end this epidemic.”
New York will receive more than $2 billion through settlement agreements with opioid manufacturers. A portion of these settlements are going directly to municipalities statewide, with the remainder dedicated to supporting prevention, treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and education efforts to address the ongoing opioid epidemic.
The two new funding opportunities through the Opioid Settlement Fund total nearly $8 million, and include:
- Expanding Harm Reduction Services for Priority Populations Who Use Drugs, with applications due October 3, 2023 ($7.5 million over two years).
- Development of a Comprehensive Coroner Training Program in New York State, with applications due October 5, 2023 ($400,000 over two years).
Other programs allocated funding by the Department through the Opioid Settlement Fund include expansion of harm reduction programs ($12.5 million) and New York Medication Assisted Treatment & Emergency Referrals (NY-MATTERS) in partnership with University of Buffalo Medical Department ($8 million), collectively totaling $28 million in allocated funding.
Additionally, to date, the New York State Department of Health has spent more than $13.5 million to provide naloxone to Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs between April 2022 and March 2023. More than 35,000 instances of naloxone administrations have been reported since 2006. Of this, over 20,000 administrations have been reported by community members, with over 11,000 coming from the department’s syringe exchange programs. The agency’s Naloxone Co-Payment Assistance Program (N-CAP) covers up to a $40 co-payment for naloxone at pharmacies, and has processed 9,683 claims from July 2022 through June 2023, with an average co-pay of $16.
New York State Health Department Commissioner James McDonald said, “Opioid use disorder and other drug dependencies can be challenging chronic diseases, yet are treatable and long-term recovery is possible. In order to combat the overdose epidemic, New York State has implemented a multifaceted strategy under the direction of Governor Hochul. This funding aims to increase access to harm reduction services, including medications to treat addiction, supportive counseling, and other preventive health care services. It also includes a comprehensive training program for coroners who serve an important role in public health.”
Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found using the Office of Addiction Services and Supports’ (OASAS) Treatment Availability Dashboard or on the agency’s website. New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
