Islandia, NY - March 3, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening of THRIVE, the first addiction recovery community and outreach center on Long Island. The center, operated by Family and Children’s Association in partnership with three other community nonprofits, will provide support for people in recovery from a substance use disorder and their families.
"This new facility will help more Long Islanders battling addiction obtain the help and resources they need to get on the road to recovery," Governor Cuomo said. "These new investments are one more step in the battle against substance abuse and brings us close to a stronger, healthier New York for all."
THRIVE, also known as the center for Transformation, Healing, Recovery, Inspiration, Validation and Empowerment, will offer programs on education and vocational issues, health and wellness topics, and workshops on parenting and stress management, in addition to training sessions on how to become a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate. The center will also be made available to other recovery organizations to conduct meetings or to plan and hold events. Partnering organizations include the Long Island Recovery Association, Families in Support of Treatment, and the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.
"As Long Island struggles under the weight of an historic heroin crisis, THRIVE will serve as a critical resource for individuals looking to rebuild their lives and for families seeking support, guidance and direction," said FCA President/CEO Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds. "We applaud Governor Cuomo’s continued leadership in addressing addiction statewide and are very thankful for this partnership with the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services."
"Those of us who work in the field of addictions know that treatment alone is not enough; recovery services must be in place for individuals to succeed," said New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez. "The expansion of recovery services, through community-based centers like THRIVE, enhances the Governor’s ongoing efforts to address substance use disorders in New York State."
Additionally, as with all of the recovery centers currently operating around the State, THRIVE will offer information and education to the community on how to access addiction treatment and assist with the navigation of insurance and treatment issues. The center also will provide a non-clinical setting that is safe, welcoming and alcohol-free and drug-free for any member of the community. Services will be accessible not only during the daytime hours, but also during evenings and weekends.
Family and Children’s Association was one of six providers selected in 2016 through a request for proposal process to receive $1.75 million over a five-year period to aid New Yorkers in recovery from addiction. The new center is located at 1324 Motor Parkway Road in Islandia, New York. Other new centers will be located on Staten Island, Newburgh, Saratoga Springs, Watertown and Buffalo.
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 HOPEline, 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or texting HOPENY. Find an OASAS-certified substance use disorder treatment provider by searching the OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard or by visiting the Access Treatment page on the NYS OASAS website. For information about combating heroin use and prescription opioid drug abuse, visit New York State’s Combat Heroin website. Information about anti-opioid overdose medication training is available here. For tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing underage drinking and drug use, visit the State’s Talk2Prevent website.