Over $300-thousand has been awarded to Auburn’s East Hill Medical to support drug addiction street outreach.
The money comes as part of $5.5-million the state has allocated to support outreach and engagement services in underserved areas across New York.
How will the $309,324 in funding be spent?
Trish Kerr with East Hill Medical told Finger Lakes News Radio that roughly half of the money will be given to Nick’s Ride to hire two additional Certified Peer Counselors. East Hill will use the money it’s keeping to bring on a Public Health Coordinator and an RN Care Manager. Each group will also purchase a van.
This will allow them to send outreach teams to areas where high risk populations congregate and offer overdose prevention, education, and supplies as well as connect individuals with treatment and support services.
“My administration remains committed to implementing a multi-faceted strategy to address the opioid and overdose epidemic across New York,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this more than $5.5 million award, we can help connect high-need individuals to the care they need to improve their health and well-being.”
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “New York State is facing an opioid epidemic, and it’s so important that all residents dealing with the effects of substance use disorder know they have support. I know Governor Hochul is committed to ensuring that underserved communities have access to lifesaving resources that can help them overcome addiction and live healthy and fulfilling lives.”
Other area awardees include Farnham, Inc ($325,000) and Onondaga County Health Department ($325,000).
Funding for the program comes from the $2-billion the state has been awarded through various settlement agreements with opioid manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies.
