Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced $10.5 million in funding over five years to support six new Recovery Community and Outreach Centers in communities across New York. The new centers, funded by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, will provide health, wellness and other critical support for individuals and families who are recovering from a substance use disorder or are seeking recovery services.

“Addiction devastates the lives of far too many New Yorkers and their families,” Governor Cuomo said. "These new centers will provide the necessary resources and support to those seeking recovery and will help us build a stronger and healthier New York for all."

These model recovery centers are the latest addition to the Governor’s multi-pronged approach to addressing substance use disorders in New York State. The Governor’s Heroin Task Force has heard from New Yorkers about the importance of ongoing, locally-based recovery services. These new centers will respond directly to that need expressed by Task Force meeting participants. The centers will engage peers and volunteers to assist those in recovery on their path toward wellness. Center staff will provide resources and host activities that foster a lifetime of wellness for individuals, families and community members. New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez announced the awards at a press conference today at the Family & Children’s Association in Mineola, New York, joined by representatives from the recovery community.

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, “Recovery from the disease of addiction is real and it is attainable with community-based supports and services. These organizations that have been selected to provide recovery and outreach services have a track record of providing quality services to those suffering from the disease of addiction. With these new awards, they will be able to continue their good work and help more New Yorkers obtain the tools they need to maintain a healthy, substance-free lifestyle, right in their own communities.”

These six sites selected through a competitive New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services request for proposal evaluation will receive funding over five years totaling the following amounts:

Long Island:
Family & Children’s Association, Mineola, N.Y. $1.75 million

New York City:
Community Health Action of Staten Island, Staten Island, N.Y. $1.75 million

Hudson Valley:
Independent Living Inc., Newburgh, N.Y. $1.75 million

Capital Region:
Prevention Council (Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention Council of Saratoga County Inc.), Saratoga Springs, N.Y. $1.75 million

Central NY:
PIVOT (Alcohol & Substance Abuse Council of Jefferson County, Inc.), Watertown, N.Y. $1.75 million

Western NY:
Lake Shore Behavioral Health, Buffalo, N.Y. $1.75 million

The Recovery Community and Outreach Centers will provide a community-based, non-clinical setting that is safe, welcoming and alcohol/drug-free for any member of the community. Each recovery center will respond to the local area’s specific needs related to obtaining substance abuse treatment services and addiction recovery supports. The centers will promote long-term recovery through skill building, recreation, wellness education, employment readiness, civic restoration opportunities, and other social activities. Services will be accessible not only during the daytime hours, but also during evening and weekends, to meet the needs of individuals and families who may be in need of assistance at varying hours.

Recovery center staff will provide assistance to individuals and families to help them navigate the addiction treatment system and secure insurance coverage for various levels of addiction treatment. The centers will also provide an opportunity for individuals and families to connect with peers who are going through similar challenges so that they can benefit from shared experiences and commitment to common goals for recovery. Access to peer advocates, recovery coaches, and addiction peer specialists through these recovery centers will help to further enhance the recovery process.

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, 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or texting HOPENY. Find an OASAS-certified substance use disorder treatment provider by searching the OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard or by visiting the Access Treatment page on the OASAS website. For information about combating heroin use and prescription opioid drug abuse, visit New York State’s Combat Heroin website. Information about anti-opioid overdose medication training is available here. For tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing underage drinking and drug use, visit the State’s Talk2Prevent website.