Two area agencies receive state funds for addiction treatment programs

ALBANY – Agencies in Orange and Westchester counties have received state funding for community-based addiction and recovery programs.
The Orange County Council on Alcoholism will receive $150,000 and the Student Assistance Services Corporation in Westchester County will receive $99,773.
The grants are part of a statewide initiative to ensure that there are at least two peer engagement specialists available in each of the state’s 10 regions. Peer engagement specialists are people who are in recovery from a substance use disorder or have loved ones in recovery – or have lost a loved one to addiction.
The primary goal of the program is to help individuals and families in crisis navigate the treatment service-delivery system.
Peers familiar with how to access services will be available to meet people in emergency rooms and crisis centers, to provide emotional support, as well as insights about the treatment process.
The community coalitions will be responsible for coordinating community resources to help address substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts that meet localized needs and foster cross-sector collaboration.
“Strong community-based services are critical to help those who are struggling with addiction and to help keep them on the path to recovery,” said Senator George Amedore, chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. “This investment builds upon our efforts to ensure access to prevention, treatment and recovery services in every community throughout the state.”