NEWS & NOTICES

11/17/16

Governor Cuomo Announces New Public Service Campaign

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new public service campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of drugged driving in New York State. The public service announcement, titled “Drugged Driving is Impaired Driving,” was developed by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and will run on broadcast and cable television stations across New York. The PSA can be viewed here . “Make no mistake: Drugged driving is a threat to our roadways and places everyone on them in danger,” Governor Cuomo said. “This campaign builds upon this administration’s ongoing efforts to crack down on this reckless behavior, prevent more impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel, and avoid preventable tragedies." “All New Yorkers need to be aware that drugged driving is dangerous,” said NYS OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “This video will help to raise awareness, and we hope that it will also prompt those who are struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, to reach out for help. I encourage all New Yorkers to visit our website, oasas.ny.gov, to take advantage of the many resources available to help individuals and families address the disease of addiction.”

11/16/16

Online Training: Oversight & Monitoring Training on 11.29.16

The NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs are pleased to announce a new training offered by WebEx on November 29, 2016 from 10 am to 12 pm. NYS OASAS Presenters Trishia Allen and Dave Herbert, with Justice Center Presenters Kim Affinati and Teah Cerina will provide a general overview of the Oversight and Monitoring Process and offer participants a detailed understanding of: The Role of the Provider in Corrective Action Plan (CAP) Development ,The Role of OASAS in Approving CAPs and The Role of the JC in Conducting Audits on CAPs. You must register for this event to participate. Click here to register.

11/15/16

NYS OASAS Addendum 2 to RFA #16101 - Community Coalitions

NYS OASAS made modifications to the Community Coalitions Request for Applications (RFA) to include language relating to Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (SDVOB) and to extend the application due date to December 15, 2016.

11/15/16

OASAS released Adden.2 to RFA #16103 - Family Support Nav.

NYS OASAS made modifications to the Family Support Navigator Services Request for Applications (RFA) to include language relating to Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (SDVOB).

11/15/16

OASAS released Adden.2 to RFA 16102 - Peer Engagement Serv.

NYS OASAS made a modification to the Peer Engagement Services Request for Applications (RFA) to include language relating to Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (SDVOB).

11/08/16

Answers to Inquiries for RFA # 16102 - Peer Engagement

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) is providing answers to inquiries submitted by potential applicants regarding RFA # 16102 - Peer Engagement

11/08/16

Answers to Inquiries RFA # 16103 - Family Support Navigator

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) is providing answers to inquiries submitted by potential applicants regarding RFA # 16103 - Family Support Navigators

11/04/16

Gov. Cuomo Announces Addiction Services Expansion on LI

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the expansion of addiction treatment and prevention services on Long Island with the groundbreaking of a $4.6 million community residence center in Brentwood, Suffolk County and New York's first bilingual adolescent substance use disorder clubhouse now open in Freeport, Nassau County. "These new facilities are critical to saving and improving the lives of New Yorkers struggling with addiction," Governor Cuomo said. "The new women's facility and adolescent clubhouse will help Long Islanders in need on their road to recovery and are vital tools in this administration's fight against addiction." "Across the State, I have heard incredible success stories attributed to the positive communities that surround individuals in recovery," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who co-chairs Governor Cuomo's Heroin and Opioid Task Force. "By expanding treatment capacity in Brentwood, this new center will help women across Long Island begin a new chapter in their life."

11/04/16

OASAS Advisory Council Meets November 14 In Albany

Meeting of the New York State Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council Project Review Committee. The meeting will be held at: 44 Holland Avenue, Albany. The Project Review Committee will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m. Due to technical problems, the meeting of the BHSAC Project Review Committee will not be webcast in real time. A video recording of the meeting is expected to be posted within 24 hours.

11/01/16

Gov. Cuomo Announces $1M for New Clubhouses

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced nearly $1 million in annual funding to create adolescent substance use disorder clubhouses in the Capital Region, North Country, Central New York and Southern Tier. These community-based clubhouses will promote peer-driven supports and services in a non-clinical setting for young New Yorkers in recovery or at risk for substance use disorders. "These new facilities will improve the lives of young New Yorkers in need of help and take us one step closer toward stamping out addiction in this state once and for all," Governor Cuomo said. "These recovery centers will provide the services and support our young people need to build a brighter future, protect our communities and build a stronger, healthier New York for all."

11/01/16

Minority Fellowship Program for Addiction Counselors

Master's level students who are enrolled in a program that is on this list are eligible to apply for a fellowship award of up to $18,000 per Fellow. Students do not need to be a minority or LGBT to qualify. They must commit to providing addiction counseling services to underserved populations for six months post-graduation. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis and can be found here .

10/31/16

Answers to Inquiries for RFA #16101 Community Coalitions

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) is providing answers to inquiries submitted by potential applicants regarding RFA #16101 - Community Coalitions.

10/24/16

Modifications RFA #16103 - Family Support Navigator Services

NYS OASAS has modified key dates in RFA #16103 - Family Support Navigator Services. Please see the Procurements section of the NYS OASAS website for details.

10/24/16

Modifications to RFA #16102 - Peer Engagement Services

NYS OASAS has modified key dates in RFA #16102 - Peer Engagement Services. Please see the Procurements section of the NYS OASAS website for details.

10/20/16

Gov. Cuomo Announces Nearly $21.6M for Supportive Housing

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced nearly $21.6 million has been awarded for eight supportive housing projects that will create a total of 265 units for homeless New Yorkers. The awards, made through the New York State's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, will fund supportive housing projects in Suffolk and Oneida counties for homeless veterans and their families, as well as ones in New York City, Erie, Nassau and Oneida Counties for homeless individuals and families. All eight projects are part of Governor Cuomo's historic $10 billion commitment to building affordable housing and combating homelessness. "New York has put forth a comprehensive plan that takes decisive actions to end our homelessness crisis and this funding is a key component of that strategy," Governor Cuomo said. "With the creation of these supportive housing units, we are helping ensure that some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers have a safe, decent and affordable place to live and are given access to the support and services that they need."

10/18/16

Gov. Cuomo Announces Campaign to Raise Addiction Awareness

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of five public service announcements as part of a campaign to urge New Yorkers to join together in the fight against addiction. The statewide #CombatAddiction campaign emphasizes the far-reaching effects of addiction and connects New Yorkers with information and support services through social media, bilingual public service announcements and a print ad that will be posted on the New York City Subway system and on the Staten Island Ferry. "This campaign seeks to educate New Yorkers of the full impact of addiction and how get help for themselves or their loved ones," Governor Cuomo said. "Addiction knows no bounds, and its devastating effects can be felt in every community across the state, but we must stand together to combat this disease and to build a stronger, healthier New York for all."

10/18/16

Modification to RFA #16101 – Community Coalitions

Dear Providers: The NYS OASAS has modified key dates in RFA #16101 - Community Coalitions. Please see the Procurements section of the NYS OASAS website for details.

10/17/16

Funded Provider Minimum Wage Salary Survey

OASAS-funded providers are asked to complete and submit a salary survey for use in the calculation of potential State aid adjustments related to the State's minimum wage increases scheduled to begin in 2017. This information is due back to OASAS no later than Monday, November 14, 2016.

09/28/16

Improved NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard Released

NYS OASAS is pleased to announce the release of its new and improved Treatment Availability Dashboard. In addition to showing the availability of current bedded treatment providers, the new system includes all outpatient, opioid treatment and gambling treatment programs. If you have any comments or questions about the new NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard, please send inquiries to StateWideFO@oasas.ny.gov or call 518-485-0488.

09/13/16

Funding to Establish Family Support Navigator Services

NYS OASAS has released an RFA for funding up to $100,000 annually to establish Family Support Navigators in each of the ten New York State Economic Development Zones. Currently there are eight EDZ with Family Navigator services awarded. This RFA will allow the two EDZ without these services to establish the program as well as create an additional ten programs for a total of two programs in each EDZ. Awards are to support or establish family navigator services to assist families and individuals with gaining an increased understanding of the progression of addiction and how to navigate insurance and treatment systems.

09/06/16

OASAS & Justice Center - poster for Inappropriate Relations

NYS OASAS and the New York State Justice Center are committed to ensuring the safety of the vulnerable populations we serve in our substance use disorder treatment programs. Sexual relationships between Program staff and clients in treatment can endanger the client’s recovery, and subject the staff to criminal, administrative and employee discipline. For that reason, NYS OASAS and the Justice Center are pleased to announce a new printable poster to educate on the dangers associated with sexual relationships between staff and clients. Providers should display this poster at treatment sites to educate staff and clients and provide a resource in the event that such a relationship is discovered.

08/29/16

NYS OASAS releases Statewide Comprehensive Plan

NYS OASAS announces the release of its Statewide Comprehensive Plan 2015-2019 developed in accordance with Section 5.07 of Mental Hygiene Law. The Plan summarizes policy initiatives to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic. It highlights collaborative efforts with state and local partners to implement a more coordinated system of care that addresses the addiction and physical health care needs of individuals with substance use disorders. The Plan also discusses initiatives to enhance prevention, treatment, and recovery services for New Yorkers.

08/25/16

Gov. Cuomo Announces Grand Opening of New Clubhouse

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening of Creative Connections Clubhouse, a first-of-its-kind recovery center for teens and young adults in Montgomery County. The clubhouse, located in Amsterdam, provides a safe, welcoming space for teens and young adults who are in recovery or are at risk for substance use disorders to develop social skills that promote long-term health, wellness, recovery and a drug-free lifestyle. In January, as part of his multi-pronged approach to combating addiction, Governor Cuomo awarded HFM Prevention, a Mohawk Valley substance use prevention provider, a $250,000 annual grant to support the clubhouse’s long- term viability, recovery and prevention services. “New York is leading the fight against addiction by providing critical life-saving resources to those battling substance abuse,” Governor Cuomo said. “Young people struggling with addiction often don’t know where to turn for help, but this new clubhouse will provide more youth in the Mohawk Valley with the relief and long-term support they need while on the path to recovery.”

08/23/16

Gov. Cuomo Announces Effort to Combat Underage Drinking

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a coordinated effort by several state agencies and institutions to prevent underage drinking on college campuses and in college towns as the fall semester begins across the Empire State. The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services , the New York State Liquor Authority, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, and the New York State Police are aligning resources to prevent underage drinking on campuses across New York. These efforts will build upon the Governor’s commitment to protect college students and increase safety on New York’s college campuses, most recently through his "Enough is Enough" legislation. These efforts will begin this month as college students head to campus. "Underage drinking can lead to life-altering consequences for college students, and as the fall semester gets underway, we are working to educate college students about this reckless behavior," Governor Cuomo said. "These coordinated efforts will build on our progress to help avoid needless tragedies and create a safer learning environment on campuses statewide."

08/18/16

Gov. Cuomo Announces Crackdown on Drunk/Impaired Driving

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed State Police to ramp up enforcement efforts as part of a national crackdown on impaired driving through Labor Day weekend, one of the deadliest times of year for drunk and drugged driving fatalities. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which begins statewide on August 18 and ends September 5, will be carried out with assistance from local law enforcement and aims to reduce deaths and injuries caused by motorists driving drunk or impaired by drugs. “Drunk drivers are a danger to themselves and others, and law enforcement is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone on the road,” Governor Cuomo said. “Impaired driving is a reckless and dangerous crime with potentially fatal consequences, and I urge New Yorkers to drive responsibly to avoid senseless tragedies.” Impaired driving is a major contributor to crash fatalities. One-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. In New York State, alcohol involvement was listed as a contributing factor in more than 7,000 police-reported crashes in 2015, while illegal drugs contributed to more than 800 crashes. Additionally, impaired-driving crashes cost the United States $44 billion each year. The penalties for impaired driving are accordingly strict. Drivers convicted of DWI or DWAI three or more times in 15 years face a Class D felony charge, up to seven years in prison, and a fine up to $10,000.

08/02/16

Gov. Cuomo Awards $1 Million to Expand Addiction Treatment

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that $1 million has been awarded to Horizon Village, a treatment provider in Niagara County, to assist New Yorkers battling substance use disorders. The funding will support the creation of a new 25-bed treatment facility, advancing Governor Cuomo’s multi-pronged approach to combating substance use disorders across the state. The new treatment facility, located in Sanborn, will offer a spectrum of addiction services including counseling, skills training and long-term support. “We are continuing New York's fight against substance abuse and, with this funding, providing more tools and more access to resources for those seeking help to battle an addiction,” Governor Cuomo said, “These new treatment beds will help more Western New Yorkers get on the path to recovery and build on our efforts to end the heroin and opioid crisis in this state once and for all.”

08/02/16

NYS OASAS Celebrates the Coming of a New Recovery Center

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez visited Buffalo today to congratulate Lake Shore Behavioral Health, Inc., a substance use disorder treatment provider that was recently awarded $1.75 million to create a Recovery Community and Outreach Center in Buffalo. Lake Shore was one of six providers selected through a competitive request for proposal process. Lake Shore is partnering with Preventionfocus, Inc. on the recovery center, which will be located at 69 Linwood Avenue in Buffalo. The new center will provide supports for individuals and families who are recovering from a substance abuse disorder, or are seeking recovery services. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo first announced the funding awards in June. Other new centers will be located on Long Island and Staten Island and in Newburgh, Saratoga Springs and Watertown. These centers will complement recovery programs in Rochester, Brooklyn and Oneonta.

07/22/16

NYS OASAS Celebrates New North Country Recovery Center

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez visited Watertown today to congratulate PIVOT (Alcohol & Substance Abuse Council of Jefferson County, Inc.) , which was recently awarded $1.75 million to create a Recovery Community and Outreach Center in Watertown. The site was one of six selected through a competitive NYS OASAS request for proposal evaluation and will receive annual funding for five years. The new centers will provide supports for individuals and families who are recovering from a substance abuse disorder, or are seeking recovery services. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo first announced the funding awards in June. Other new centers will be located on Long Island, Staten Island, Newburgh, Saratoga Springs and Buffalo. These centers will complement recovery programs in Rochester, Brooklyn and Oneonta.

07/21/16

NYS OASAS Marks Launch of Two New Programs

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services today marked the launch of two new programs to expand access to substance use disorder treatment services and family supports in Central New York. In April, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo awarded $150,000 to the Onondaga County Department of Adult & Long Term Care Services to support substance use disorder peer engagement and support services and $100,000 to Prevention Network/Onondaga Council on Alcoholism Addictions, Inc. in Syracuse to support a family support navigator initiative. Today, staff have been hired and services are being delivered to those in need. The initiatives were developed by NYS OASAS. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez joined County Executive Joanne M. Mahoney to mark the start of these services at a press conference at Prevention Network in Syracuse today.

07/21/16

NYS OASAS Awards $1M to Expand SUD Services in Southern Tier

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) today awarded $1 million in funding to support 25 new treatment beds to provide care for New Yorkers with substance use disorders. The funding was awarded to Tompkins County addiction treatment services provider Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services for the creation of a new 25-bed adult residential treatment facility. The residential treatment facility, in Trumansburg, will offer a full spectrum of addiction treatment services to residents including counseling, life-skills training and after-discharge support. These services will be delivered at a new building on the Trumansburg treatment provider’s campus, bringing jobs and economic and community benefits to the region, and is aligned with Southern Tier Soaring — the region’s comprehensive blueprint for economic growth.

06/30/16

Site Review Instruments for Outpatient and Opioid Treatment

New Recertification Review Instruments have been developed, in consultation with providers, based on the current Part 822 Regulation for Outpatient and Opioid Treatment Programs. Program Review Unit staff will resume recertification reviews of Part 822 Outpatient and Opioid Treatment Programs beginning July 1, 2016. Please view a new YouTube Training resource which provides further guidance to the current Part 822 Regulation, Clinical Standards, and the impact of Medicaid Managed Care.

06/29/16

Gov. Cuomo Awards $10.5 Million for New Recovery Centers

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced $10.5 million in funding over five years to support six new Recovery Community and Outreach Centers in communities across New York. The new centers, funded by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, will provide health, wellness and other critical support for individuals and families who are recovering from a substance use disorder or are seeking recovery services. “Addiction devastates the lives of far too many New Yorkers and their families,” Governor Cuomo said. "These new centers will provide the necessary resources and support to those seeking recovery and will help us build a stronger and healthier New York for all." These model recovery centers are the latest addition to the Governor’s multi-pronged approach to addressing substance use disorders in New York State. The Governor’s Heroin Task Force has heard from New Yorkers about the importance of ongoing, locally-based recovery services. These new centers will respond directly to that need expressed by Task Force meeting participants. The centers will engage peers and volunteers to assist those in recovery on their path toward wellness. Center staff will provide resources and host activities that foster a lifetime of wellness for individuals, families and community members. New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez announced the awards at a press conference today at the Family & Children’s Association in Mineola, New York, joined by representatives from the recovery community.

06/14/16

Gov. Cuomo Announces Agreement to Combat Heroin/Opioid Abuse

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeffrey Klein today announced a final agreement on new legislation to combat heroin and prescription opioid abuse in New York State. The agreement comes on the heels of the recent release of the Governor’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force’s final report and recommendations. The legislation builds on the state’s aggressive efforts to better monitor prescription drugs, increase access to treatment, and break the cycle of heroin and opioid addiction in New York. The package of three bills includes wide-ranging initiatives to address the state's current heroin and opioid crisis, including provisions to limit the over-prescription of opioids and remove barriers to access for inpatient treatment and medication. The legislation aims to address issues and concerns raised by individuals in recovery, families, and treatment providers across the state.

06/14/16

NYS Commissioners Urge Teachers to Use Kitchen Table Toolkit

A letter has been sent to educators in school districts across the state urging them to utilize free resources to help them hold discussions about addiction with students. The letter, signed by New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez, Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker and State Education Department Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, guides educators to education materials found on the state's Combat Heroin and Talk2Prevent websites.

06/09/16

Gov. Cuomo Announces Recommendations by Heroin Task Force

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the final report and recommendations from the Heroin and Opioids Task Force – a diverse group of experts in healthcare, advocacy, education, law enforcement, as well as parents and New Yorkers in recovery – charged with developing a comprehensive plan to combat the state’s heroin and opioid epidemic. The Task Force’s key recommendations include mandating prescriber education on pain management and addiction, reducing the number of days for first-time opioid prescriptions for acute pain from 30 to seven, requiring consumer education on prescription opioids, increasing public outreach and awareness, eliminating prior authorization for needed inpatient treatments and medications to treat addiction, expanding access to overdose-reversal medication, increasing treatment beds and opioid treatment program slots, expanding access to spaces and supports for individuals in recovery, and updating the controlled substances schedule.

05/25/16

Funding Available to Assist in Conversion to Part 820 Model

OASAS announces the availability of funding to assist providers in the conversion to the new Part 820 Residential Services. There is $5 million in Medicaid funding under the Vital Access Program (VAP) available for start-up costs associated with the conversion for each program being converted.

05/25/16

NYS OASAS Releases Statewide Youth Development Survey Report

The statewide Youth Development Survey (YDS) Report summarizes findings from the 2014-2015 survey of 7th to 12th grade students conducted in 272 schools across New York State. The survey measured the prevalence of substance use and gambling as well as 11 risk and 9 protective factors that predict levels of youth substance use and other problem behaviors. These include school drop out, delinquency, violence, and teen pregnancy. OASAS-funded prevention providers use evidence-based programs and strategies to increase protective factors and reduce risk factors.

05/25/16

Governor Cuomo Hosts Heroin Task Force Listening Session

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today hosted a Heroin Task Force public listening session on Staten Island, where nearly 200 elected officials, health experts, community members and families impacted by addiction convened to discuss strategies and solutions to combat the opioid epidemic in New York State. Members of the Task Force received testimony on recommended changes to law, as well as new policies and best practices regarding heroin and opioid addiction prevention, treatment and recovery. Community input received at listening sessions will be included in the Task Force’s final report. The Task Force will complete its review and deliver final recommendations to the Governor in June. "The state is taking aggressive action to tackle the opioid epidemic and keep New Yorkers safe," Governor Cuomo said. "Heroin and prescription opioids are equal-opportunity killers that don’t discriminate based on race, class or gender – and the number of deaths statewide are staggering. By traveling to affected communities and hearing directly from New Yorkers, we can find smart solutions to combat this public health crisis and increase access to prevention, treatment and recovery services across the state."

03/24/15

NYC HCBS Provider Designation List Now Available

The list of NYC providers designated to provide Home & Community Based Services (HCBS) is now available. The linked spreadsheet contains the names of NYC providers designated to provide HCBS, along with which services they have been designated to provide. Each provider listed has been approved through the process established by New York State.

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New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services - OASAS
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