The Broome County Health Department announced today the first round of grant recipients for Opioid Settlement Funding. Seven Broome County-based organizations have been awarded, with grants ranging from $58,000 - $150,000. The Opioid Settlement Fund was created through the work of New York State Attorney General Letitia James and her historic lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies that contributed to the overdose epidemic.
Marissa Knapp, Opioid Overdose Prevention Coordinator for Broome County said, “Fighting this public health epidemic takes a multi-faceted approach, and we are excited to offer our community partners the opportunity to explore new ways of saving lives, preventing substance use disorders (SUD) and reducing the stigma that often exists with SUD.”
The following agencies have been awarded funding: The Addiction Center of Broome County, The Hope Foundation of Binghamton, Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network of South Central New York, Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital, Inc., Rural Health Network of South Central New York, Truth Pharm and United Health Services. Projects being funded will address treatment, recovery, harm reduction, prevention, and education efforts in the community.
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “As we continue to combat the overdose epidemic in Broome County, we are extremely thankful to the many community agencies who continue to work to save lives. These awarded funds will help our strong network of community agencies continue their important work by helping individuals with SUDs at every step along their journey to recovery.”
In March of 2019, the New York State Attorney General filed an extensive lawsuit against large pharmaceutical manufacturers which resulted in a settlement being awarded to New York State to address drug misuse, substance use disorders, both fatal and non-fatal overdoses and recreational substance use. Broome County was one of the first counties to sign on to the AG’s lawsuit.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said, “The opioid epidemic has ravaged communities throughout New York, including in Broome County. While no amount of money can make up for the lives lost and families torn apart by the opioid crisis, the funds we have secured from opioid manufacturers and peddlers will help our state recover from this crisis. I was proud to visit Broome County to help distribute funds in the past, and I am pleased to see local leaders take action to invest in prevention, treatment, and recovery programs that will help save lives. Together with my partners in government, I look forward to continuing our fight to turn the tide against this public health crisis.”
The Broome County Health Department also announced today the second round of Opioid Settlement Fund Request for Proposals (RFP). A total of three additional opportunities will be available with similar guidelines as the ones awarded today. The grant applications can be found at broomecountyny.gov/hd
