New York State is providing nearly $1 million in funding from the Opioid Settlement Fund to support addiction prevention initiatives in areas identified as high-need. The announcement was made by Governor Kathy Hochul during National Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month and Red Ribbon Week, both of which aim to highlight the importance of substance use prevention among young people.
“New York State continues to get settlement funding out to the providers and communities that need it most — and with this latest award, we are further supporting prevention services for New Yorkers in high-need areas of the state,” Governor Hochul said. “As we observe National Prevention Month and Red Ribbon week, it is a reminder of the importance of these services and the positive impact that they can have on individuals, families and communities.”
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) has released a video news release featuring Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham discussing ongoing prevention work and available services.
Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham stated, “Prevention is a vital part of the OASAS continuum of care, and we work closely every day with our providers and partners to ensure they have the funding and support needed to expand their services and reach those at risk for addiction. This funding extends an ongoing project that has already helped us to reach New Yorkers in high-need areas with these important services and will continue to benefit these individuals and communities.”
A total of $978,419 will be distributed among five providers as part of efforts to further develop community prevention coalitions. These coalitions offer targeted services such as education programs, drug destruction kits, medication lock boxes, and drug take-back days for youth, families, and local residents. The program was initially launched at the start of 2024; this latest round extends its duration through 2028. To date, almost $5 million has been allocated for this initiative.
The recipients include Columbia-Greene Addiction Coalition ($200,000), Council on Addiction, Prevention and Education of Dutchess County ($200,000), Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County ($200,000), Westchester-Ellenville Hospital Inc. ($178,419), and Prevention Works ($200,000).
This effort is part of New York’s broader approach to using opioid settlement funds. The state has made more than $454 million available from these settlements—more than any other state—and expects over $2.5 billion from agreements with opioid manufacturers secured by Attorney General Letitia James. Some funds go directly to municipalities while the rest supports statewide prevention, treatment, harm reduction, recovery programs—including expanding access to addiction medications, outreach initiatives for high-need individuals, educational campaigns, support for recovery centers, workforce development efforts—as tracked on the New York State Opioid Settlement Fund tracker.
State Senator Nathalia Fernandez commented: “Between closing loopholes to ensure all settlement dollars flow into the Opioid Settlement Fund and advancing greater transparency through this year’s budget, Governor Hochul has demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting prevention efforts that strengthen families and save lives. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders, I’m proud to see New York continue leading the nation in addressing addiction with the resources and compassion this moment requires.”
State Senator George Borrello said: “I applaud the state’s investment of opioid settlement funds in Prevention Works… This funding will strengthen those critical efforts… reflects New York State’s commitment to ensuring that every community has the tools and support needed to confront addiction and promote recovery.”
Other legislators also expressed their support for directing funds toward organizations working at local levels:
State Senator Michelle Hinchey said: “Nearly half a million dollars in opioid settlement funds are heading to organizations in Dutchess, Columbia, and Greene counties… Directing these dollars…is exactly where Big Pharma’s settlement money should go.”
State Senator Peter Oberacker added: “As the opioid epidemic continues…it’s critical that we direct settlement dollars where they can have the greatest impact: prevention…”
State Senator Robert G. Rolison noted: “The Council on Addiction…and other outstanding organizations receiving this support are on the front lines…With this funding…they’ll be able to reach even more people in need…”
Assemblymember Didi Barrett stated: “I am pleased that $400,000 in funding from New York State Opioid Settlement Fund will directly support organizations in my district…”
Assemblymember Phil Steck said: “It’s encouraging to see these funds going directly to providers rather than being delayed by a lengthy approval process…”
Assemblymember Anil Beephan commented: “I thank Governor Hochul and OASAS for their continued investment in the Hudson Valley…This funding will strengthen those efforts…”
Assemblymember Paula Elaine Kay remarked: “The best way to address addiction is to stop it before it starts…I trust that they will use this funding well…”
Assemblymember Brian Maher emphasized: “…organizations that are boots on the ground every day fighting…the epidemic…must stay vigilant…”
Assemblymember Andrew M. Molitor concluded: “…allocating significant money to Prevention Works…For every adult or child who never becomes addicted…a life is saved…”
In addition to distributing grant money during National Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month/Red Ribbon Week observances—several state landmarks including One World Trade Center; Empire State Plaza; Niagara Falls; Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct; Albany International Airport Gateway; MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station; Roosevelt Island Lighthouse; among others—will be illuminated red on October 30.
OASAS oversees about 1,700 programs across New York serving over 731,000 people each year—including operation of 12 treatment centers offering inpatient/residential care for approximately 8,000 annually.
Individuals seeking help with addiction can contact HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). Information about crisis/detoxification or outpatient/inpatient care is available via the NYS OASAS website.
