Senator Elaine Phillips Tours Nassau County Corrections Center & Announces Funding For Jail Based Services

Funds Secured in Budget To Provide Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs

Senator Phillips toured the Nassau County Correctional Center earlier this week with Sheriff Vera Fludd, Brian Sullivan, President of Nassau County COBA, and Alphonzo Albright, Commissioner of Corrections and observed the facility’s substance use disorder treatment programs. 

Earlier this year Senator Phillips, a member of the Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, announced $200,000 in state funding to help implement, support, and expand vital jail-based services at the Nassau County facility.  This funding was part of $3.75 million the Task Force fought to include in the budget for substance use disorder treatment programs at 17 correctional facilities statewide. 

“The heroin and opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities throughout New York, and especially on Long Island.  As our local jails continue to fill with those struggling from addiction, it is evident that a punitive approach will not work and that jail-based services provide a better path to recovery and reduced recidivism rates,” said Senator Phillips. “This important funding will help provide essential treatment programs and services to individuals in the Nassau County correctional system and will undoubtedly assist with their recovery as they reenter our local communities. Thank you to Sheriff Fludd and Brian Sullivan for their continued efforts to tackle the heroin and opioid epidemic in our region.”

County jails that currently offer treatment services have seen significant benefits, including decreased recidivism rates and cost savings.  

“In addition to greatly reducing the recidivism rate and improving overall public safety, these programs help rebuild lives and stop the endless cycle of incarceration, ultimately saving thousands of dollars in taxpayer money,” said Phillips. 

“We thank the members of the New York State Senate for securing funding to provide additional jail-based addiction services.  Treatment and programmatic activities within the jail setting are critical in fighting the opioid epidemic and Nassau County’s agencies will work with Sheriff Vera Fludd to maximize the benefits of this additional funding,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. 

Brian Sullivan, President of Nassau County COBA said, “COBA is proud to stand with Senator Phillips in her efforts to combat the opioid crisis on Long Island.  Senator Phillips has always been a friend to law enforcement and her commitment to her community is unmatched.