NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul and Representative Adriano Espaillat announced actions Thursday to improve the way opioid treatment is provided in Harlem. The effort will support this Manhattan community as it continues New York’s efforts to fight the overdose crisis that has claimed thousands of lives.
“These measures will directly address community concerns as we work to identify additional long-term solutions to improve the density of services in Harlem,” Governor Hochul and Representative Espaillat said. “Supporting and providing healthcare to New Yorkers struggling with addiction remains a priority, and we will continue to work together to address this statewide public health crisis.”
Both officials released two immediate measures:
- First, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) will work with opioid treatment program providers to address high foot traffic and inactivity at certain sites while better serve existing patients. To do so, providers will transition to requiring fewer visits to receive take-home medications, where appropriate, removing barriers to life-saving treatment and reducing the number of in-person visits needed for each patient.
- In addition, OASAS will expand the program of the Mobile Medicines Unit(MMU), to other regions later this year, including Wards Island, which will help alleviate foot traffic issues along the 125th Street corridor. The MMU program launched this year with an investment of $6 million and is designed to reach underserved areas and people who have difficulties accessing treatment by providing services directly to them.
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