New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo officially signed legislation yesterday that will invest over $200 million to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic across the state.
“This is a matter of life and death,” he said after signing the legislation. “You have parents that are struggling, and providers that are struggling. What we did in this budget is that we basically doubled the state’s commitment in terms of resources.”
The funds were provided in this year’s state budget. They will be used to support prevention, treatment and recovery programs targeted toward chemical dependency, residential service opportunities, and public awareness and education activities in New York. It will also provide $6 million for Naloxone kits and training. The recommendations were made by the state’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force, which is co-chaired by Senator Fred Akshar.