New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the allocation of nearly $1 million from the New York State Opioid Settlement Fund to support addiction prevention initiatives in areas identified as having high need. The announcement coincides with National Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month and Red Ribbon Week, which highlight the importance of substance use prevention, particularly among youth.
“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) released a video news statement featuring Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham discussing ongoing prevention work across the state.
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.”
Five organizations will receive portions of $978,419 in settlement funds aimed at developing community prevention coalitions. These groups operate in counties classified as high-need regions. Their efforts include educational programs, distribution of drug destruction kits, provision of medication lock boxes, and promotion of drug take-back days. The initiative began earlier this year; almost $5 million has now been directed toward its continuation through 2028.
Funding 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).
These grants are part of broader state efforts funded by opioid settlements secured by Attorney General Letitia James. So far more than $454 million from such settlements has been made available through New York’s opioid settlement fund—the largest amount distributed by any state nationally—and over $2.5 billion is expected from multiple agreements with opioid manufacturers. Some funds go directly to municipalities while others support statewide prevention programs such as increased access to addiction medication, outreach initiatives for high-risk individuals, educational campaigns, recovery center support measures, workforce development projects, among others.
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 added: “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…to confront addiction.”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey noted: “Nearly half a million dollars in opioid settlement funds are heading to organizations in Dutchess Columbia and Greene counties…Directing these dollars to local groups on the front lines…is exactly where Big Pharma’s settlement money should go.”
Other lawmakers including Senators Peter Oberacker; Robert G. Rolison; Assemblymembers Didi Barrett; Phil Steck; Anil Beephan; Paula Elaine Kay; Brian Maher; Andrew M Molitor also expressed appreciation for targeted investments into local organizations working on substance use issues.
To mark National Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month along with Red Ribbon Week observances this year several landmarks—including One World Trade Center Empire State Plaza Niagara Falls Grand Central Terminal–Pershing Square Viaduct—will be illuminated red on October 30th.
OASAS manages one of America’s largest networks for addiction services spanning about 1,700 programs serving over 731 thousand people annually statewide—including direct operations at 12 inpatient treatment centers handling roughly 8 thousand patients each year.
Residents seeking help can call HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369). Information about available treatment options can be found via NYS OASAS’ website.
