You are Here: Home Page> 2024 Press Releases> New York State Department of Health Announces Awards From Opioid Settlement Fund to Organizations to Advance Harm Reduction Objectives to Priority Populations
Funding is Directed Toward People Who Are Especially Vulnerable to Overdose
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 21, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health announced today that 10 organizations have been awarded funding from the Opioid Settlement Fund. These organizations are committed to providing harm reduction interventions to priority populations, especially those who are most vulnerable to overdose and who have been historically marginalized and stigmatized by systems of care.
"Opioid use disorder and other drug dependencies are a public health crisis that requires a community-based collaborative effort to solve, which has been further strengthened by today's funding award announcement," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "These dedicated community organizations are equipped with resources and support needed to reach some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers with harm reduction services and supportive counseling that will save lives. We will continue to leverage the money secured through the Opioid Settlement Fund to connect people who use drugs with vital resources that are needed to end this epidemic."
Priority populations include Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); those who are unhoused; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) communities; older adults, people who are pregnant or parenting; and people in the criminal justice system.
A total of 13 contracts have been approved for 10 organizations committed to advancing health equity to these populations. The funding awards total $3.75 million annually for two years, for a total of $7.5 million, pending approval of the contracts by the Office of the New York State Comptroller, with intent to expand an additional two years.
Organizations awarded the funding include the following:
- National Harm Reduction Coalition (on behalf of Bronx Movil)
- Justice Innovation Inc.
- The Bridge Inc.
- The Fortune Society Inc.
- Housing Works Inc.
- Cayuga County
- AIDS Council of Northeastern New York Inc.
- AIDS Center of Queens County Inc.
- Best Self Behavioral Health Inc.
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Awarded agencies will work collaboratively with relevant partners, leading to emerging innovations and strategies for drug overdose prevention and response statewide. Agencies will also address the social determinants of health that contribute to perpetuating an individual's vulnerability to overdose, such as lack of stable housing, poverty, stigma, and racism.
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, "Marginalized and vulnerable populations have been severely and disproportionately affected by the overdose crisis. This funding will allow for harm reduction services and resources to reach priority populations, ensuring health equity, and saving lives."
The Department is also pleased to announce the expansion of its harm reduction network through four new programs.
Medication for Addiction Treatment and Electronic Referrals (MATTERS) Program is an electronic referral platform that refers individuals with opioid use disorder to treatment and healthcare organizations. MATTERS aims to reach those living in rural, or other hard to reach locations, who may lack transportation for services or who are inclined to avoid traditional programs. More information on the MATTERS program can be found here.
Save the Michaels of the World Inc. is a harm reduction organization whose mission is to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorder with wrap-around care, peer and recovery services, and linkage to treatment. All services are free of charge. The organization also prioritizes mental health disorders associated with substance use. More information on Save the Michaels of the World Inc. can be found here.
The REACH Project Inc. is a medical practice that provides support and care to marginalized populations with a special emphasis on people who use drugs. The organization engages individuals with respect and equitable access to compassionate care without judgment. REACH Medical provides in-person and telehealth care. It engages many people who live in rural New York in services, especially buprenorphine. More information on The REACH Project Inc. can be found here.
New York Recovery Alliance is a harm reduction program that utilizes a peer-based approach to organizing its services. The program is run by and for people impacted by substance use disorder and It reflects the principle of "nothing for us without" us in caring for people who use drugs. More information on New York Recovery Alliance can be found here.
The State Department of Health has provided a harm reduction safety net for over 30 years through a statewide network of community-based and peer-run programs.
