Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced more than $1.6 million in annual funding to create first-of-their-kind adolescent substance use disorder clubhouses in seven regions across New York State. These community-based clubhouses will promote peer-driven supports and services in a non-clinical setting for young New Yorkers in recovery or at risk for substance use disorders. This new and innovative model for providing addiction services is the latest of the Governor's comprehensive efforts to combat addiction and support recovery in communities throughout the state.

"These new adolescent clubhouses will give young New Yorkers a safe, welcoming environment to receive the help they need and keep them on the path of recovery," Governor Cuomo said. "I'm proud of this effort, which will make this a stronger and healthier New York."

The seven organizations receiving funding will help individuals in recovery develop social skills that promote prevention, long-term health, wellness, recovery and a drug-free lifestyle. A variety of services and activities will be available, including homework help and tutoring, college and job preparation, community service opportunities, sports and fitness activities, group entertainment activities, and peer mentoring. Youth and family advisory board members at each clubhouse will help shape activities and programming.

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, "Adolescents and young adults that have battled addiction need to be supported every step of the way as they recover so that they can sustain long-term recovery. These clubhouses will not only give young people the support they need, but also will provide a safe environment where they can stay active with peers and family, while maintaining a sober, drug-free lifestyle."

Clubhouse grant winners are:

· New York City - The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center - $250,000

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services also approved an additional $275,000 in funding to support a new outpatient substance use disorder treatment program at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center. This first-of-its-kind program is specifically designed to meet the needs of LGBT adolescents, and will feature individual, group and family counseling as well as strong peer supports and services. With the addition of this adolescent treatment track funding, LGBT youth at The Center will benefit from a full continuum of services including prevention, treatment and recovery programming in a stigma-free environment.

· Mohawk Valley/North Country - HFM Prevention Council (The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council of Hamilton, Fulton and Montgomery Counties) - $250,000

· Central New York - Friends of Recovery Delaware and Otsego (FOR-DO) - $121,600

· Long Island - HELP Services, Inc. - $242,900

· Mid-Hudson - YMCA of Yonkers - $250,000

· Finger Lakes - Partnership Ontario County - $250,000

· Western New York - Restoration Society, Inc. - $250,000

The clubhouses are the latest addition to Governor Cuomo's multi-pronged approach to addressing substance use disorders in New York State. Since Governor Cuomo signed historic legislation into law in 2014 to address the heroin and opioid crisis, advances have been made to ensure individuals have access to the substance use disorder care they need, and that there are services and supports for families and communities affected by addiction. Some highlights of those efforts include:

· Increased residential treatment availability across the state

· Addition of nearly 2,000 new opioid treatment slots statewide

· Prohibiting insurers from using a "fail first at outpatient treatment before a more intensive level of care is approved" philosophy when making substance use disorder care decisions

· Naloxone training and expansion of availability of naloxone to more pharmacies resulting in 85,000 trained individuals and more than 2,500 lives saved and

· Comprehensive public awareness efforts including the State's Combat Heroin and Talk2Prevent campaigns, including a toolkit to assist families and communities in talking about opioid addiction.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the State’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369). For tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing alcohol or drug use, visit the State's Talk2Prevent website. Visit http://www.combatheroin.ny.gov/ for more information on addressing heroin and prescription opioid abuse, including a new Kitchen Table Tool Kit to help start the conversation about the warning signs of addiction and where to get help. Addiction treatment providers can be located on the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services' Find Help page.