Senator Robach Announces $200,000 in Funding for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

New York State Senator Joseph Robach and members of the Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction today announced $200,000 in state funding for the Monroe County Jail. The money secured will be used to fund substance use disorder treatment and transition services at the jail, and is part of the $3.75 million secured by the Task Force in the 2018-19 state budget to help implement, support, and expand these vital services in County jails throughout New York.

 “It is critically important that New York State continue to take all available actions to fight back against the damage that heroin causes in our community and across the state and nation,” said Robach. “This funding announced by the Senate Heroin Task Force for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, and counties across New York, will assist law enforcement in their efforts to fight this epidemic in county jails. Along with our commitment to enforcement and prevention, narcan availability, and insurance coverage, this announcement continues the Senate’s pledge to fight the terrible impact of heroin in our communities.”

 As a member of the original New York State Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, Senator Robach has been at the forefront of advocating for more support programs to treat and prevent heroin and opioid addiction, and tougher penalties against those who sell these deadly substances on the streets. These funds will be used to help treat inmates dealing with heroin addiction.

In addition to the $200,000 in funding from the Senate Heroin Task Force, the 2018-19 state budget includes a record investment of $247 million to help fight and prevent the heroin and opioid epidemic that is crippling families and neighborhoods across New York. Among the highlights are:

 · $10.6 million to support services including more residential treatment beds, a new Recovery and Community Outreach Center, and an Adolescent Clubhouse program to provide peer support activities and events that help maintain a sober and substance-free lifestyle; and 

· $1.5 million for the creation of an Independent Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Ombudsman to assist individuals in receiving appropriate health insurance coverage.

 “Thank you to our New York State Senate delegation and all legislators who listened to our concerns and understand the critical opioid epidemic that is on our doorstep,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “We are most appreciative of these monies which will aid in the treatment and prevention of the heroin crisis in our community, including the struggle many of those incarcerated in the Monroe County Jail face daily. The road for those battling addiction, and their families, is not easy. Know that these funds will be put to great use to provide essential programming, treatment, and ongoing education to help lead to a path of recovery. All of us are impacted by this crisis; our families, our neighbors, our friends, our congregations. We must all be part of the solution. We are extremely grateful for these funds that provide, beyond everything, hope.”

 “One of the best times to start the recovery process and develop coping skills is when the person is incarcerated. Housing a person for months and just releasing them with no support is a complete failure.  The window of ‘opportunity’ is often during their time of incarceration,” added Gates Police Chief Jim VanBrederode.

 For more information about the New York State Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, please visit robach.nysenate.gov.