Binghamton, NY – Joined by Rural Health Network of South Central New York (RHNSCNY) Monday, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo announced details of a $100,000 grant that will support a regional initiative to combat the opioid epidemic. The funding, secured by Lupardo through the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), will support prevention, treatment navigation, and recovery support services carried out by 15 AmeriCorps members based at nine regional host organizations.

“The Rural Health Network is taking a creative and collaborative approach to the opioid crisis by engaging AmeriCorps members and volunteers in this effort," said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. These individuals will provide much needed support to three local agencies and many others in the region. I am very grateful for the all the hard work being done to address this epidemic."

“This program builds on the excellent work already being done by a number of community organizations,” said Jack Salo, Executive Director of RHNSCNY. “Utilizing AmeriCorps members will allow participating agencies to reach more people and in new ways. We appreciate Assemblywoman Lupardo’s commitment to helping us address this public health crisis."

RHNSCNY’s program is also supported by $153,816 in federal funding and nearly $40,000 in support from organizations hosting AmeriCorps members and in-kind contributions. The initiative aligns with five of the recommendations from the NYS Heroin Taskforce, including expanding target awareness campaigns, supporting regional coalitions and partnerships, expanding access to overdose-reversal medication, supporting the creation of Recovery Community Outreach Centers to promote long-term recovery across the state, and providing a wraparound program for post-treatment services to individuals in recovery.

Primary counties of service under this initiative are Broome, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, and Tioga; secondary counties of service include Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Onondaga, Otsego, Oswego, and Tompkins. The 15 AmeriCorps members will also leverage an additional 50 volunteers to assist in the program’s efforts. RHNCNY is currently recruiting AmeriCorps members to support this initiative. Interested applicants can learn more and apply at www.ruralhealthnetwork.org/americorps.