New York State is making strides to increase access to medications like buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder among New York State residents. An overdose data-to-action report released this month outlines the impact of these increases and provides recommended actions and resources to state and local community organizations. The data-to-action report is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Buprenorphine is a proven, effective medication that is essential in the fight to end the opioid overdose epidemic,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “It’s encouraging to see more New Yorkers with access to buprenorphine, but more must be done to reach vulnerable populations and ensure harm reduction services are reaching all communities in New York State. We will continue to work with our state and local partners to develop innovative outreach and further increase access to this lifesaving medication.”
Buprenorphine and methadone have proven invaluable in addressing the opioid and overdose epidemic and reducing the impact of drug overdose on communities across the state. New York has been working to increase access to buprenorphine and to maintain patients on this lifesaving treatment.
According to the data-to-action report, the number of patients New York State who were prescribed buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder steadily increased from more than 79,000 in 2020 to more than 85,000 in 2023, a 7 percent increase. Data in the report come from the New York State Prescription Monitoring Program, which is maintained by the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. The report includes analysis of prescription dispensing data as received from pharmacies across the state from 2020 through 2023.
Buprenorphine can help people who are dependent on opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioids actively treat their substance use disorder and lead productive lives. The medication alleviates withdrawal symptoms like vomiting and anxiety. Because buprenorphine helps with withdrawal and cravings, it can protect people from risky behaviors and can lower the chance of someone having an overdose.
“Medication for addiction like buprenorphine can reduce the risk of overdose death by as much as 50 precent, and expansions to the availability of these medications have helped to contribute to the recent drop in overdose death rates,” NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “New York State is continuing to work to expand the availability of these medications, so that all those affected by substance use disorder have access to this lifesaving care.”
Governor Hochul’s proposed FY2026 Executive Budget includes legislation that would allow paramedics to administer buprenorphine to more effectively combat opioid use disorder. This critical change will allow Emergency Medical Services providers to more effectively treat and save lives upon contact, especially in rural areas.
In 2023, Governor Hochul announced more than $7 million for 15 providers across New York State to support medication for addiction treatment by establishing comprehensive, low-threshold buprenorphine services – designed to meet the ongoing need for medication and other addiction services by providing same-day, immediate enrollment in buprenorphine treatment and care management.
New York’s MATTERS referral network has contributed to the increase in linkage to care and access to treatments like buprenorphine. MATTERS is a statewide rapid referral network to outpatient services for individuals with opioid use disorder in emergency departments, obstetrician and gynecologist offices, correctional facilities, inpatient units, pre-hospital settings, community-based clinics and peer navigation services.
The State Department of Health’s Buprenorphine Assistance Program (BUPE-AP) is a payment assistance program available for individuals who don’t have any or enough health insurance to cover the cost of buprenorphine.
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) has also expanded access to buprenorphine in correctional settings, and all jails and prisons in New York State are now offering all Food and Drug Administration-approved forms of medication for addiction. In addition, expansions to traditional treatment programs as well as mobile services across the state have increased access to medication in areas that were previously underserved.
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).
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