New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has recently announced several funding opportunities to support addiction service providers and individuals with SUD across the state. These initiatives are part of her efforts to combat the opioid crisis and address the mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first announcement was made on September 30, 2021, when Governor Hochul revealed that New York State had secured $20 million in federal funding through the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program1. This funding will assist addiction service providers with loss of revenue and operating expenses incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will also help providers maintain or expand their services, such as medication assisted treatment (MAT), peer support, recovery housing, and telehealth.
The second announcement was made on October 15, 2021, when Governor Hochul unveiled the availability of $5 million in additional funding to provide SUD services to incarcerated individuals as part of a new bill mandating county jails to offer MAT services in correctional settings2. The bill, which was sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, aims to reduce the risk of overdose and recidivism among incarcerated individuals with SUD. The funding will enable county jails to establish various treatment services, such as screening, assessment, clinical services, peer services, case management, and post-release services.
The third announcement was made on June 2, 2022, when Governor Hochul announced the release of an Integrated Supportive Housing Application available to qualifying service providers and housing developers3. The 2022 funding opportunity, to be administered by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), will award $15 million in capital funding to expand access to affordable, accessible, non-certified supportive housing options for people with developmental disabilities. The funding will also support people with co-occurring SUD and developmental disabilities, who often face barriers to accessing appropriate housing and services.
The total amount of funding that Governor Hochul has allocated for SUD services in the past year is $192 million, which demonstrates her commitment to addressing the needs of people with SUD and their families. These funding opportunities will help create a more equitable and inclusive system of care for people with SUD, as well as improve their health and quality of life. Governor Hochul’s funding for SUD services is a step towards recovery for New York State.