Enacts the overdose prevention and recovery act

• Democratic26
• Republican2

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Nathalia Fernandez says this is needed

Currently, New York State is in an addiction public health emergency. In 2018, there were 3,697 overdose deaths. In 2023, that number grew to over 6,400-a 73% increase in three years-with opioids involved in more than three-quarters of those deaths. Recovery support services and supports are evidence-based practices and provide low barrier life-saving, person-centered care to individuals and families living in recovery from addiction. When treatment centers closed during the pandemic, it was recovery centers th at stayed open to meet the needs of people struggling with substance use and mental health needs in the community. However, recovery support services currently lack a mechanism for reimbursement in New York State, and as such the current funding mechanisms are unsustainable. This legislation would match the current federal funding for recovery support services at 20%. Harm reduction is a proven model in reaching, supporting, and treating individuals with a substance use disorder. The Department of Health funds vital harm reduction efforts, including syringe exchange programs and drug user health hubs. However, the funding for the se services is not guaranteed and has fluctuated greatly over the past several years. Ensuring that these services remain open and available is essential to continuing to fight the overdose epidemic. Lastly, increasing transparency around where the Opioid Stewardship Fund monies are being used not only increases trust, but allows changes to be made based on current data and trends. The reporting requirement mirrors that of the Opioid Settlement Fund to provide e qual access to informa- tion on both Funds.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.