Senator Monica R. Martinez and NYS Senate Colleagues Discuss Addiction Treatment Measures and Funding Included in the 2019-2020 Budget

(Hauppauge, NY) On April 12, 2019, Senator Monica R. Martinez was joined by Senators Todd Kaminsky, Anna M. Kaplan, Kevin Thomas, and Jim Gaughran,  to discuss the various funding and reforms that were in included in the 2019-2020 state budget as it relates to addressing the opioid and drug epidemic on Long Island. Also joining the Long Island State Senate Delegation were County Executive Steve Bellone, as well as a number of individuals in recovery, their families, and clinical professionals.

These measures include increasing access to 28-day inpatient and outpatient treatment programs without prior insurance authorization, removing cost barriers to treatment for those undergoing outpatient substance use disorder treatment, insurance coverage for drugs used in the treatment of substance use disorder, $1 million dollars for recovery high schools, $600,000 for the Family and Children’s Association to provide new services to get people into treatment, $350,000 for a new recovery community center in Westbury, and a measure that requires that at least $100 million of total OASAS funding be dedicated to opioid treatment and education programs. Another important reform will require emergency rooms to have policies and procedures in place for providing medically assisted treatment to overdose patients prior to their release, which will work to provide a comprehensive and safe plan for those individuals upon discharge.  

“The medical, social, and psychological toll from substance abuse disorders is enormous, and for that reason, the State Legislature included funding for critical programs and reforms in the 2019-2020 budget, such as increasing access to 28-day inpatient and outpatient treatment programs without prior insurance authorization, and removing cost barriers for those undergoing outpatient substance abuse disorder treatment. While I am so proud of what we have accomplished this legislative session, I recognize that there is still so much work to be done when it comes to adequately funding the necessary programs and services to combat this epidemic. Together, we can press forward and stand up for our families, communities, children, and loved ones.” Said Senator Monica R. Martinez.

Senator Anna M. Kaplan said “the crisis of addiction affects every family, school, and community on Long Island, and if we are going to win the fight against substance use disorder, we need to do everything we can to get people into long-term recovery.  I’m proud to have fought for significant new funding and initiatives in the enacted state budget that will support more recovery services in my district, and expand access to 28-day treatment programs for all New Yorkers who are struggling with this disease.”

Senator Jim Gaughran said "I am proud that our Senate Majority has made addressing the opioid epidemic that has plagued our communities a priority. Our new budget includes critical funding and new initiatives to increase treatment options and expand coverage availability. These meaningful steps will help stem the opioid epidemic through a multi-pronged approach and I thank Senator Martinez for leading the fight to secure this funding for Long Island."

"The opioid epidemic affects our friends, relatives and neighbors every day. Thanks to provisions in the budget, New Yorkers suffering from opioid addiction will now be treated as patients, not criminals. By expanding treatment options, we can get ahead of this urgent health crisis, save lives and act as a model for the rest of the nation,"  Senator Kevin Thomas said.

“This NYS Budget prioritized treatment for our loved ones who are suffering from opioid addiction. My colleagues and I recognized that our neighbors needed greater access to treatment options and less barriers from insurance companies. We will continue to fight to ensure that those struggling have the resources they need to overcome the addiction.” Stated Senator Todd Kaminsky

"There is an ongoing problem with addiction in our society and New York State is making every effort to curb this unfortunate epidemic. These efforts by Senator Martinez and the rest of my colleagues in the New York Senate are important first steps in facing the problem head on and establishing practical solutions." Said Senator John Brooks

“As the Chairwoman of the Suffolk County Heroin and Opiate Epidemic Advisory Panel, I would like to thank New York State for recognizing the ever-growing need for substance use recovery resources,” said Legislator Anker. “This funding is crucial to supporting those afflicted by the opioid epidemic, and those who have dedicated their life’s work to treating and caring for our affected community members.”

"As Long Island continues to address an historic opioid crisis, we are fortunate to have a NYS Senate delegation that understands the importance of prevention, access to treatment and recovery. From insurance parity and the elimination of barriers to care to funding for a Nassau County recovery center and a peer-led overdose response team to support for a recovery school, the recently enacted state budget contains lots of good news for local families concerned about addiction. At FCA, we commend our state Senators for their hard work and for standing up for Long Island's kids, families and communities." - Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, President/CEO of Family and Children's Association (FCA)

"In early recovery, THRIVE provided me with a safe and supportive environment that made me feel welcome and connected in a way that I never experienced anywhere else before. For the first time in my life, I was inspired to be a part of something meaningful and bigger than myself. THRIVE gave me a purpose, and now as a person in long-term recovery and a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, I am so blessed and feel so privileged to be able to give back to our community all that was given to me." - Jennifer Brock, Advocate

“THRIVE didn’t just open it’s doors it opened its heart and provided families a place to heal, empowered us to recover our own lives, and encouraged us to enjoy life again. We are becoming the change and we are sharing it with each other and our communities.” - Claudia Capie Friszell, Advocate

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