Albany, NY - October 26, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the availability of up to $10 million in capital funding to develop and support up to 75 new, community-based medically supervised withdrawal and stabilization beds throughout New York State. These detox programs provide around-the-clock care to people who are under the influence of alcohol, opioids, or other substances, or suffering from withdrawal, and help stabilize them and connect them to further treatment services.
"The scourge of the opioid epidemic has touched communities in every corner of this state and it is critical that we tackle this problem from every angle, working to reach every New Yorker who needs help," Governor Cuomo said. "These expanded detox services will help put more people dealing with opioid addiction onto the road to recovery while helping to create a stronger, healthier New York for all."
"This funding will help provide around the clock care for medically supervised withdrawal which is a crucial element in the recovery process," said Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, co-chair of the Governor's task force to combat heroin and opioid addiction. "Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, New York continues to take aggressive action to tackle the substance abuse crisis head on by increasing access to life-saving detox, recovery and support services."
The expansion of detox services is the latest effort in the Governor's multi-pronged approach to addressing the opioid epidemic, by providing comprehensive prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The detox programs offer medical assessment, information about recovery supports, family treatment, and clinical services, as well as medication to manage withdrawal symptoms.
OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, "Medically supervised withdrawal services are critical to our ability to combat addiction. Thanks to Governor Cuomo's leadership, we will be able to expand our network of detox providers, and connect more people to the treatment they need, closer to where they live."
The funding is being made available through a Request for Applications administered by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. It can be viewed here. Responses are due December 28. Each program awarded funding through this RFA will develop and support a minimum of eight beds, up to a maximum of 25. Priority for awards will be given to applications in counties that do not currently offer detox services, then to applications in counties where there are comparatively fewer services than in others.
Visit www.combatheroin.ny.gov for more information on addressing heroin and prescription opioid abuse, including a Kitchen Table Tool Kit to help start the conversation about the warning signs of addiction and where to get help. For tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing alcohol or drug use, visit the State's Talk2Prevent website.