Monday, December 12, 2016

The Conversation: COMBAT ADDICTION


Several new ads have been launched to support the statewide #CombatAddiction campaign to inform New Yorkers about treatment and support services and encourage them to join in the fight against the disease of addiction. A new Spanish and English radio public service announcements, along with several digital and print ads, will begin running today to raise awareness of addiction. New ads, radio PSAs and expanded airtime for television PSAs compliment the #CombatAddiction campaign, which first launched in October.

“New York’s battle with addiction can be felt in every corner of the state and this administration is committed to supporting communities as we come together to end the fight against this disease,” Governor Cuomo said. “This campaign lets New Yorkers know that help is available and that everyone can make a difference, as we work together to save lives and build a healthier New York for all.”

The ads will run through January 16, 2017 and emphasize the power of communities coming together to combat addiction through their slogan, “It’s going to take all of us. Let’s come together to #CombatAddiction.” The #CombatAddiction PSAs will air on television stations, in select movie theaters, on social media platforms, and on radio stations and digital music streaming services beginning today. The campaign also includes wallscapes in the Bronx and Manhattan, bus interior posters in Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo, and lighted posters at the Albany Amtrak station.

“The new PSA campaign to raise awareness and urge New Yorkers to be part of the solution to address addiction is particularly timely since the holidays can be a difficult time for people struggling with substance abuse,” said Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, co-chair of the Governor's task force to combat heroin and opioid addiction. “Addiction can happen to anyone, but by joining together and fighting this epidemic we can all play a role in saving people’s lives. I hope these new PSAs inspire individuals, families, and communities to take advantage of the support that is available through addiction treatment providers across the state.”

The campaign also promotes the message that addiction is a disease that can be can treated and that recovery is possible with support. The ads direct individuals to the #CombatAddiction webpage, which includes targeted information for individuals, families, friends, medical practitioners, law enforcement, educators, and community organizations. The campaign expresses the themes of hope and resilience through the sharing of stories of real New Yorkers who are living in recovery from addiction.

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, “This new phase of the #CombatAddiction campaign continues our efforts to foster community collaboration and educate the public about the many resources available to help them to gain access to services. Our hope is that with these tools more New Yorkers can access services and be supported on their journey of recovery.”

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). Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using this new and improved NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the Access Treatment page on the NYS OASAS website.

Visit the #CombatAddiction website at oasas.ny.gov/CombatAddiction to learn more about how you can help to #CombatAddiction in your community. 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

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

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