In a press release on Tuesday, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced funds to support addiction prevention efforts and enhance access to transportation services for treatment.

The $2.3 million in funds will establish four prevention coalitions in New York City and enhance non-medical transportation services in Western New York and the Finger Lakes.

"Addressing addiction in New York requires a coordinated statewide approach to get people the help the need," said Governor Hochul. "This funding will help better engage vulnerable communities in New York City, while providing transportation to individuals who would otherwise be unable to access treatment in Western New York and the Finger Lakes, supporting our nation leading addiction treatment services."

Of the $2.3 million, only $500,000 will be used to fund transportation service enhancements in the Finger Lakes and Western New York regions. The Finger Lakes region will receive $249,000 and the Western New York region will receive $250,000. The awards will fund transportation for recreational activities, recovery supports, peer interactions, formal or informal mutual support groups like Self-Management and Recovery Training, and Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Transportation will also be provided to treatment or harm reduction services or service providers.

"Meeting people wherever they are and ensuring full access to different types of help is one of the cornerstones of our work," said Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham. "With this funding to enhance prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery supports across New York State, we are giving people more options to find the services they need, and I look forward to the many benefits these new programs will bring."