$10.5 Million in New Funding to Support Recovery Centers in New York

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) today announced $10.5 million in new funding to support the creation of up to six Recovery Community and Outreach Centers in communities across New York. These new centers, funded by NYS OASAS, will provide supports for individuals and families who are recovering from a substance abuse disorder, or are seeking recovery services.

“New Yorkers recovering from addiction will have every opportunity to succeed with the state-of-the-art services and supports offered at these new recovery and outreach centers,” said NYS OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “These locally-based centers will prove to be a valuable resource for communities throughout the state by offering a diverse range of recovery support services to help individuals in recovery improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.”

The new recovery centers will offer information and education to the community on how to access addiction treatment support; assist with the navigation of insurance and treatment issues; provide wellness information and activities to foster a lifetime of wellness for individuals, families and community members; and engage peers and volunteers to assist those in recovery on their path toward wellness.

“OASAS is committed to the development of a recovery-oriented system of care for all New Yorkers,” said González-Sánchez. “These new Recovery Community and Outreach Centers will create a network of services right in the local area so that services can be accessed close to home and individuals and families who are working toward recovery from a substance use disorder feel supported in their on-going journey.”

The goal of these centers is to improve outcomes for individuals in treatment for substance use disorders, including increasing employment, fostering social connections, and promoting stable housing, while also reducing substance use, improving mental health outcomes, and decreasing criminal justice involvement. The funding will be available through a Request for Proposal administered by NYS OASAS. The up to six sites that are selected through the RFP will receive annual funding for five years. 

The Recovery Community and Outreach Centers will provide a community-based, non-clinical setting that is safe, welcoming and alcohol/drug-free for any member of the community. Each recovery center will respond to the local area’s specific needs related to obtaining substance abuse treatment services and addiction recovery supports. The centers will promote long-term recovery through skill building, recreation, wellness education, employment readiness, civic restoration opportunities, and other social activities. Services are to be accessible not only during the daytime hours, but also during evening and weekends, to meet the needs of individuals and families who may be in need of assistance at varying hours.

These new centers will represent diverse geographic locations and address local and regional needs across the state. Stakeholders from those communities will be engaged in identifying local resources regarding treatment, prevention and recovery supports for individuals within their respective communities. Recovery center staff will provide assistance to individuals and families to help them navigate the addiction treatment system and secure insurance coverage for various levels of addiction treatment. The centers will also provide an opportunity for individuals and families to connect with peers who are going through similar challenges so that they can benefit from shared experiences and commitment to common goals for recovery. Access to peer advocates, recovery coaches, and addiction peer specialists through these recovery centers also will be provided to further enhance the recovery process.

Interested communities and non-profit community-based organizations can learn additional information about the Recovery Community and Outreach Centers and apply by visiting the NYS OASAS website at this link.

\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, 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369).

A list of addiction treatment providers available throughout the state is available here.

For information about combating heroin use and prescription opioid drug abuse, visit New York State’s #CombatHeroin website. Information about anti-opioid overdose medication training is available here.

For tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing alcohol or drug use, visit the State’s Talk2Prevent website here.

Source: New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services