Governor Cuomo Announces Opening of New $14 Million Residential Treatment Facility in Central New York

Statement

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the opening of Elements of CNY, a 75-bed residential addiction treatment facility in Liverpool, Onondaga County. Elements of CNY is operated by Helio Health and will offer multiple levels of residential care for people receiving treatment for addiction, including stabilization (detox) rehabilitation and reintegration. The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports contributed $14 million for the renovation of the building and is providing more than $1.1 million in annual operational funding for the new facility.

"The addiction epidemic has been a terrible scourge on our communities, but thanks to the hard work of the State and organizations like Elements of CNY, 2018 saw the first decline in overdose deaths in New York in a decade," Governor Cuomo said. "We're not letting up the fight against addiction and with the opening of this new center we are continuing to lead the way by expanding services throughout the state to try to reach all those in need of treatment and support."

"The opioid epidemic affects individuals in every community across the state with more than one million New Yorkers battling addiction," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Co-Chair of the NYS Heroin and Opioid Task Force. "Although opioid overdose deaths have decreased for the first time in ten years outside New York City, we still have more work to do to end these tragedies. This new residential treatment facility in Central New York will provide vital care and a full range of services for individuals and families struggling with addiction in the area. This investment is part of our ongoing efforts to combat the epidemic, support the recovery process, and help save lives."

Elements of CNY will offer 55 stabilization and rehabilitation beds, and 20 reintegration apartments. This facility is part of New York State's ongoing efforts to provide a full continuum of addiction care by offering residential stabilization, rehabilitation, and reintegration services in one place. This allows people to enter treatment at the level that is appropriate for their needs and receive the individualized services that will best support their recovery. Residential treatment services include counseling, skill-building and training, and recreational activities. The facility is located at 4567 Crossroads Park Drive, Liverpool, NY 13088.

OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, "Receiving the right type of care is critical to a successful recovery from addiction, and this facility will help people access the exact level of care that is right for them. This is an important addition to the treatment landscape here in Central New York, and we look forward to the benefits that this will bring to the area."

Assembly Member Al Stirpe said, "The substance abuse epidemic has affected far too many Central New Yorkers, and it's critical that individuals seeking help get the care that best suits their needs. The comprehensive treatment programs and residential care offered at the new Elements of CNY and operated by Helio Health will go a long way toward supporting people as they start down the road to recovery and ultimately save lives. I want to thank the governor and OASAS for investing in this facility and their commitment to combat substance abuse in Central New York and across the state."

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, "In my time as County Executive, I have worked to make sure that the right resources are in place to help people in their recovery from addiction. As the first facility of its type in Onondaga County, Elements of CNY will make a real difference in the lives of people throughout Central New York. We are grateful to Governor Cuomo and OASAS for recognizing the need for this facility, and working to make it a reality."

Since taking office, Governor Cuomo has instituted an aggressive, multi-pronged approach to addressing the opioid epidemic, and created a nation-leading continuum of addiction care with full prevention, treatment, and recovery services. To combat this epidemic, the Governor has worked to expand access to traditional services, including crisis services, inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment programs, as well as medication assisted treatment, and mobile treatment and transportation services.

In 2016, Governor Cuomo's Heroin Task Force recommended new, non-traditional services, including recovery centers, youth clubhouses, expanded peer services, and 24/7 open access centers, which provide immediate assessments and referrals to care. These services have since been established in numerous communities around the state, and have helped people in need access care closer to where they live.

The Governor has advanced legislative and regulatory reform to enable people to get treatment faster by eliminating many insurance restrictions, as well as legislation to reduce most opioid prescriptions from 30 days to seven days, and legislation to increase training and education for prescribers. Governor Cuomo has also taken action to combat patient brokering and fraudulent addiction treatment services.

The Governor has also worked to increase training and availability of naloxone, resulting in more than 420,000 individuals in New York State being trained and equipped with the opioid overdose reversal medication. Through Governor Cuomo's actions, pharmacies around New York State are now able to provide naloxone without a prescription.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPE line at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website.

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