Senator Helming Announces $200,000 to Battle Heroin and Opioid Crisis

GENEVA – Senator Pam Helming today announced that she has secured $200,000 in state funding to assist the Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency (FLACRA) in the battle against heroin and opioid addiction and substance abuse. These funds will be used to create a new facility to house FLACRA’s Administrative Offices, Care Management, Supportive Living, and Vocational Services programs. All of these services are designed to help those who are recovering from addiction reintegrate back into the community and live productive drug-free lives.

“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 ongoing services to prevent relapse and giving people the tools to recover is critically important to addressing this crisis. As State Senator and a member of the Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, I have been proud to work with FLACRA to bring these opportunities to our community. This grant funding will allow FLACRA to expand its services and reach more people in need. Together, we will continue our work to battle the heroin and opioid epidemic in our local communities,” Senator Helming said.

FLACRA Executive Director Marty Teller said, “Our region is very fortunate to have State Senator Pam Helming, who has clearly demonstrated past and current support in battling this epidemic crushing the individuals and families around us. FLACRA will now be able to continue to grow and serve due to her hard work and generosity.”

Earlier this year, Senator Helming worked with FLACRA to secure $3.5 million in federal funding to renovate and expand its residential treatment program by 25 beds. Local treatment options are critical, and this will assist those who are addicted as they begin the recovery process. It will also give their families peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are receiving treatment right here in the community. Additionally, Senator Helming worked with FLACRA to expand mobile addiction treatment and transportation services across the region. The two vehicles recently purchased by FLACRA help provide transportation and telehealth services to those seeking addiction treatment.

Individuals can reach FLACRA by calling its 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week toll-free hotline at 1-833-4-FLACRA. 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 HOPE line 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 New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddicitonTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website at https://oasas.ny.gov/providerdirectory/index.cfm. Please 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.