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$1 Million in Funding Announced for New Clubhouse to Support Teens and Young Adults Battling Addiction

Today, the Governor announced more than $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," the Governor 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."

The four organizations receiving funding will use evidence-based prevention strategies and help individuals in recovery develop social skills that promote prevention, long-term health, wellness, recovery and an addiction-free lifestyle. A variety of services and activities will be available, including tutoring and help with homework, college and job preparation, community service opportunities, peer mentoring, and sports, fitness and group entertainment activities. The addition of these new clubhouses is the latest of the governor’’s efforts to combat addiction and support recovery in communities throughout the state. The clubhouses will begin offering programs in January 2017.

"Peers are a critical component of this model," said New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. "By leaning on one another for support these young people are creating healthy, addiction-free communities for the future. Young people who have not had experience with addiction can also participate alongside their peers in recovery. It is my hope that these clubhouses will be safe havens for young people now and into the future."

Clubhouse grant winners are:

• Central New York – Oswego County Opportunities - $250,000
• Southern Tier – Trinity of Chemung County - $250,000
• North Country – Seaway Valley Prevention Council - $250,000
• Capital Region – Mental Health Association of Columbia/Greene Counties - $250,000

These new facilities complement the seven clubhouses announced earlier this year in Western New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island.

The youth and young adult clubhouses are an innovative new model put forth as part of the Governor’’s multi-pronged approach to addressing substance use disorders in New York State. In June 2016, the Governor signed a package of bills that 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 ensures that issues and concerns raised by individuals in recovery, families, and treatment providers across the state are proactively addressed.

State Senator and Senate Heroin Task Force Member Tom O’’Mara said, "This year’’s state budget included critical funding to implement these community-based clubhouses and I’’m extremely pleased that one is being located at Trinity of Chemung County. We know that early intervention, peer support and other services for young people recovering from or at risk for substance use disorders is effective and can save young lives. We’’re grateful to the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services for their ongoing commitment, and I look forward to continuing to join my Senate colleagues, the Governor, and everyone on the local front lines to keep implementing a comprehensive strategy to combat the heroin and opioid addiction crisis."

State Senator Patty Ritchie said, "We all know that being a young person has its challenges and one of the greatest challenges today’’s youth face is the temptation to use drugs and alcohol. Through this effort, we can provide our region’s young people with the guidance they need to have bright futures. I would like to thank the governor and the Commissioner for recognizing how important it is to support initiatives - like the clubhouse program - that protect the health and safety of young people throughout Central and Northern New York."

State Senator Kathy Marchione said, "Helping New Yorkers, especially youths, escape the destructive, deadly cycle of substance abuse and addiction is critically important. This funding will make a positive difference in the lives of youths across Columbia County looking to break free from the cycle of abuse and addiction."

Assemblywoman Didi Barrett said, "Adolescence is a challenging time and substance use and abuse are too often the "go to" for young people trying to numb their pain when facing emotional or developmental stress. I thank the Governor and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services for providing funding for a peer-driven clubhouse to support prevention and recovery for our adolescents here in Columbia County."

Assemblyman Will Barclay said, "I am pleased to learn that OCO has received this funding. Our youth need more support through healthy, directed outlets. Prevention education and outreach are ways to create a positive impact on our youth before it’’s too late. I am pleased our area will benefit from these funds, to help protect and empower our youth."

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). New Yorkers can find an OASAS-certified substance use disorder treatment provider any time by using the OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov.

For additional tools to use in talking to young people about preventing underage drinking or drug use, visit the state’s Talk2Prevent website.