NYAPRS Note: Please take action today to press Governor Cuomo to sign legislation creating a dedicated fund for the millions of dollars New York is expected receive in opioid-related legal settlements. The measure protects future settlement money from being diverted to other purposes, and requires that it be used to fund addiction treatment, recovery and prevention services. NYAPRS joins with our colleagues in urging our members to take action NOW to urge Governor Cuomo to keep upwards of $1 billion in settlement dollars.
Use the following link to make your voice heard! https://takeaction.shatterproof.org/ev3kqap See more information below.
Overdose deaths involving opioids have killed more than half a million people over the past two decades and clearly the public health crisis has worsened during the COVID-19. As an example, Albany reported an increase of 60% in drug-related overdose deaths during the pandemic. But there is hope for a better future: the forthcoming state opioid settlement could help turn the tide.
It’s critical that incoming settlement money is actually spent on what it was intended for: prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services. Unfortunately, this is not a guarantee. In fact, just a few months ago, it was revealed that New York has directed the vast majority of initial settlement dollars from McKinsey & Company not toward addiction programs, but into the state’s general treasury.
This is unacceptable, and we cannot afford to miss another opportunity to protect forthcoming opioid settlement monies. This bill, which was unanimously passed in both houses, protects settlement dollars by creating a special state fund that adds to existing resources to address substance use, ensuring money is not diverted away for other uses unrelated to the addiction crisis.
Take action now to get Governor Cuomo to sign this critically important legislation into law!