More than $7 million is being awarded to 15 providers across New York State, including the Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency, or FLACRA, to support medication for addiction treatment by establishing comprehensive, low-threshold buprenorphine services. These programs are designed to meet the ongoing need for medication and other addiction services by providing same-day, immediate enrollment in buprenorphine treatment and care management. This funding is being distributed through New York State’s Opioid Settlement Fund.
“Improving access to life-saving resources and support like medication is a critical part of helping New Yorkers affected by addiction and addressing this crisis,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in announcing the funding. “Through this funding for addiction treatment programs and providers across New York, my administration remains committed to meeting the ongoing need for treatment services to help save lives and support communities as they combat the opioid epidemic.”
A comprehensive approach to combat addiction and support those affected by the opioid epidemic is necessary. Research shows that buprenorphine is a safe and effective way to treat opioid use disorder, however, many providers have rigid requirements for entering and continuing treatment. This can limit the number of individuals who receive this medication. Comprehensive low-threshold programs are designed to help address this issue by allowing for same-day, immediate buprenorphine treatment and care management services.
FLACRA and the other 14 agencies will receive up to $500,000 in funding.
New York State is receiving more than $2 billion through various settlement agreements with opioid manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies that were secured by Attorney General Letitia James. A portion of the funding from these settlements will go directly to municipalities, with the remainder deposited into a dedicated fund to support prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery efforts to address the ongoing opioid epidemic.
The same legislation that established the dedicated fund also created the Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board, which is tasked with making recommendations on how settlement dollars should be allocated to best serve those in need. Board members issued their first recommendations on November 1, 2022, identifying the expansion of harm reduction services and treatment as top priorities.
Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Opioid use disorder is a complex, yet treatable disease and buprenorphine is a very effective treatment. This important investment helps reduce barriers and helps more patients enter treatment and find their recovery. Buprenorphine saves lives, and the Department continues to support measures to increase access and eliminate cost barriers to important services and medications that treat opioid use disorder. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued compassion and commitment to those who struggle with this disease.”
