Capital District Times

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy and the Albany County Legislature have announced the allocation of $2,347,570 in Opioid Settlement Funded Community Grants to fourteen organizations. These organizations are primarily focused on opioid use disorder prevention, treatment or recovery, as well as supportive services such as housing and transportation. The funding will be utilized for new or expanded initiatives that have been identified as crucial for long-term community recovery and breaking the cycle of addiction.

The funded projects include programs to train Certified Recovery Peer Advocates and Harm Reduction Educators, new policies to reduce opioid use for pain management at hospitals, enhanced signage and information at pharmacies regarding opioid risks and treatment options, research into obstacles faced by individuals seeking addiction recovery, and support services such as transportation and housing assistance for those leaving inpatient treatment.

“The opioid epidemic represents one of the most pressing public health crises of our time," said Albany County Executive McCoy. "No amount of money will change what has happened, but these funds will empower local organizations to continue their vital work to address the root causes of opioid addiction and support those in recovery."

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham emphasized the importance of investing in prevention and recovery programs run by professional teams who work around the clock. She added that these Opioid Settlement Funds are essential for treatment and supportive services that can help combat this epidemic.

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham highlighted the detrimental effects of the opioid epidemic on communities like North Albany and West Hill in her district. She stressed the need for local resources especially given lower treatment rates among minority communities.

Majority Leader Dennis Feeney described the opioid epidemic as a complex social challenge requiring a comprehensive response. He expressed gratitude towards recipient organizations for their relentless efforts in battling this crisis.

Dr. Stephen Giordano, Albany County Mental Health Commissioner; co-chair of the Albany County Opiate Task Force; and member of the Governor’s Opiate Settlement Fund Advisory Board, acknowledged the daily challenges faced by communities due to the opioid epidemic. He expressed hope that these grants would further prevention efforts and build upon a strong network of community partners and stakeholders committed to improving access to health services.

The fourteen recipient organizations include Albany Medical College/Center II, Second Chance Opportunities, Healthy Capital District, Albany Medical College/Center I, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Collaboratory, Lincoln Pharmacy, Colonie EMS II, Addiction Care Centers of Albany, Catholic Charities Care Coordination, CPESN NY LLC, Colonie EMS I, IPH, Senior Hope Counseling and Hive of Hope.

This announcement follows the recent launch of a program to make Naloxone (or NARCAN) more readily available in the community. Albany County has partnered with Catholic Charities to provide businesses throughout the County with NARCAN and fentanyl test strip kits.