New funding to support drug treatment in county jails

Substance abuse affects all communities in the state of New York and local efforts to fight the opioid crisis include prevention, treatment, and recovery programs

The Allocation of 3 , $ 75 million in the 2018-19 state budget for 17 county jails to develop and implement treatment and transition services for substance use disorders is a major commitment in the fight against this epidemic. The new funding will be crucial in the fight against the heroin and opioid crisis in New York counties.

Kelly A. Hansen, executive director of the NYS Conference of Local Managers of Mental Hygiene, said, "The County Mental Health Commissioners knew that providing drug treatment for the entire year. incarceration could reduce recidivism, save taxpayer money and most importantly save lives. This is why the Conference of Local Directors of Mental Health sponsored the study that provides data that confirmed our badumptions and quantified the benefits of prison-based SUD services. The Conference is grateful for the support of the Senate and the Executive. develop or expand the treatment and transition services of SUD prior to reintegration.This funding will not only reduce recidivism and improve public safety, but most importantly, it will enable people with addictions to recover sustainably. "

An An example of the success of these programs can be found in the Albany County Sheriff's Heroin Addiction Recovery Program (SHARP), a 28% reduced readmission for those who participated

Funding ranges from $ 58,000 to $ 400,000 depending on the average daily population (ADP) of Albany, Broome, Clinton, Columbia, Erie, Jefferson, Monroe, Nbadau County Prisons. , Niagara, Oneida, Ontario, Putnam and Schenectady, Suffolk, Tioga, Tompkins and Wayne Counties.

"When you have people in jail begging you for more treatment, you have to seize this opportunity," said the sheriff of Albany County, Craig Apple.

The allocation of these funds is a step in the right direction for the eventual establishment of permanent programs in county jails. treatment programs in prison expand access to r resources and meet the needs of our communities in a compelling environment.

"This funding for substance abuse treatment services is one more tool that can help protect lives, reduce crime and save taxpayers money," said Stephen Acquario, executive director of The Association of County Counties of New York State. "This modest investment will increase recovery opportunities for a critical population struggling with addiction."

Click here to listen to the NYSAC podcast that features a recent press conference on this funding.