Helming Announces Expansion of Mobile Heroin-Opioid Addiction Treatment and Transportation Services in Ontario County

Geneva, NY – Senator Pam Helming today announced the expansion of mobile addiction treatment and transportation services in Ontario County. The two vehicles purchased by Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency (FLACRA) will help provide transport and medical services to those seeking addiction treatment. This purchase is part of more than $1.6 million made available statewide for providers to purchase vehicles to expand mobile addiction treatment and transportation services.

“The heroin and opioid epidemic is taking lives every day. We all know a friend or family that has been touched by addiction. Expanding access to treatment is critically important to addressing this crisis,” said Senator Helming. “The window for those seeking treatment is often very short and that is why we need to make it as simple as possible to access services. Mobile treatment programs help us accomplish this goal. As a member of the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, I am pleased that this funding allowed FLACRA to purchase two telepractice vehicles. This will allow FLACRA to expand their services and reach more people in need. Together, we will continue our work to battle the heroin and opioid epidemic in our local communities.”

The mobile treatment and transportation services are part of Senator Helming’s efforts as a member of the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction to expand access to substance use disorder treatment in the Wayne-Finger Lakes region.

FLACRA Executive Director Martin Teller said, “FLACRA is very grateful to the Governor, Senator Pam Helming and her role on the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction. These two vehicles expand on the larger Center of Treatment Innovation Award FLACRA received some months ago that is showing fantastic results in engaging those in need in Ontario and Yates Counties. This additional resource allows us to deploy Peer Support staff wherever and whenever needed to provide service beyond the walls we traditionally operate within and begin the innovation and very customer friendly activity of Telehealth.”

The purchase of these two vehicles is one measure FLACRA is taking to kick start their Center of Treatment Innovation (COTI). COTI is a State Targeted Response created to address the Opioid and Heroin Crisis in our communities. FLACRA’s COTI will focus on increased access to treatment, unmet treatment needs, and reducing overdose related deaths for those in Ontario and Yate’s counties – at no cost for the service. FLACA will also provide information and services 24/7 to family, friends, and persons experiencing Opioid/Heroin related issues, providers, key partners, stakeholders and other persons experiencing substance use disorders.

Additionally, 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 at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddicitonTreatmnet.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website at https://oasas.ny.gov/providerdirectory/index.cfm. Visit CombatAddiction.ny.gov to learn more about warning signs of addiction, review information on how to get help, and access resources on how to facilitate conversations with loved ones and communities about addiction. 

Senator Helming represents the 54th Senate District, which consists of Seneca and Wayne Counties, parts of Cayuga and Ontario Counties, and the towns of Lansing and Webster. For more information, please visit Senator Helming’s website, or follow @SenatorHelming on Facebook or Twitter.

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