Brentwood, NY - November 4, 2016 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the expansion of addiction treatment and prevention services on Long Island with the groundbreaking of a $4.6 million community residence center in Brentwood, Suffolk County and New York's first bilingual adolescent substance use disorder clubhouse now open in Freeport, Nassau County.

"These new facilities are critical to saving and improving the lives of New Yorkers struggling with addiction," Governor Cuomo said. "The new women's facility and adolescent clubhouse will help Long Islanders in need on their road to recovery and are vital tools in this administration's fight against addiction."

"Across the State, I have heard incredible success stories attributed to the positive communities that surround individuals in recovery," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who co-chairs Governor Cuomo's Heroin and Opioid Task Force. "By expanding treatment capacity in Brentwood, this new center will help women across Long Island begin a new chapter in their life."

Women's Community Residence Addiction Treatment Center - Brentwood, Suffolk  County

Outreach Development Corporation has broken ground on a new addiction treatment center in Brentwood. The facility will have 25 residential beds for adult women, recreational space, and state-of-the-art clinical and treatment program areas. The community residence treatment center will serve women from Nassau and Suffolk counties, and from other parts of the state.

The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, in partnership with OASAS, is providing project management services guiding the project from design through construction. The facility is expected to open in the spring of 2018.

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, "I want to thank Governor Cuomo for increasing opportunities for New Yorkers to get support and participate in treatment services for substance use disorder. I am proud that our continuum of care includes state-of-the-art facilities like this, which cater to the specific needs of women."

DASNY President and CEO Gerrard P. Bushell said, "DASNY is proud to be providing its expertise from start to finish on this project. It is a privilege partnering with OASAS to ensure these women get the help they need in a safe and nurturing environment."

State Senator Phil Boyle said, "Today's groundbreaking marks an important step in our continuing efforts to assist those suffering from addiction. I congratulate Governor Cuomo, Outreach and my colleagues in the state legislature for supporting this facility which, when completed, will target treatment to women and ensure that they receive the absolutely best care and services available."

Assemblyman Andrew Raia said, "This new facility and program specifically for women is a welcomed and needed resource as Suffolk County continues to battle the heroin epidemic. I’d like to thank Governor Cuomo and OASAS for continuing to provide Suffolk County with the crucial resources needed to win this fight."

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said, "Addiction continues to plague our region and is something that can affect any one of our residents, regardless of age, race, ethnicity or gender. Suffolk County has partnered with all levels of government and various partners to launch new initiatives and continue various programs in order to provide our residents with critical, life-saving resources. I thank Governor Cuomo and the New York State Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services for bringing this much-needed facility to Suffolk County. When opened, this center will serve as a safe haven for many Long Islanders who are struggling with addiction and will make a tremendous impact on thousands of lives."

Bilingual Adolescent Clubhouse - Freeport, Nassau County

In addition, New York State’s first bilingual adolescent substance use disorder clubhouse opened recently in Freeport, Nassau County. The clubhouse, located at 46 Pine Street, is run by HELP Services, Inc. and employs experienced staff to work with young Spanish-speaking New Yorkers in need of support and services. Club HELP will offer a variety of services to youth, ages 12-17, including peer support activities, group discussions, and events to help maintain a sober and substance-free lifestyle.

OASAS supported the Nassau County project with $242,900 in state funding to help create a safe haven for young people who are at-risk and/or are in recovery from substance use disorder.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). New Yorkers can find an OASAS-certified substance use disorder treatment provider any time by using the OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov. For additional help with accessing substance use disorder care and obtaining insurance coverage, view short videos on the Access Treatment page also on www.oasas.ny.gov.

Visit the #CombatAddiction web pages to learn more about how you can help to #CombatAddiction in your community.

Visit www.combatheroin.ny.gov for information on addressing heroin and prescription opioid abuse, including a Kitchen Table Tool Kit to help start the conversation about the warning signs of addiction and where to get help. For additional tools to use in talking to young people about preventing underage drinking or drug use, visit the State’s Talk2Prevent website.