Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today joined with county legislators, health officials, and victim’s advocates to announce the award of $20 million to more than 30 organizations as part of the second round of opioid grant funding resulting from a landmark court victory and award settlements from opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retail pharmacies.
Suffolk County was the first county in New York State to sue drug makers in connection with the opioid crisis. These much-needed settlement funds will assist the County in the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis, along with providing assistance to those who have been affected
"It is crucial that we continue to invest in the recovery of those struggling with opioid addiction,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “The allocation of this $20 million dollars to nearly three dozen awardees will allow us to expand prevention efforts, enhance treatment options, and strengthen support services for those among us who have been devastated by this epidemic.”
The Round 2 Application Portal, which closed on September 29, 2023, received 81 applications from 57 organizations. Applicants represented a variety of organizations including not-for-profit and community-based organizations, hospital systems, county departments and local municipalities. The focus of these proposals included prevention and harm reduction, treatment, and recovery, and various concepts such as vocational training, youth prevention, family counseling, peer support services and mobile response.
A selection panel, comprised of the County Executive's Office, the Presiding Officer, the Minority Leader, and the Health Commissioner, or their designees, along with a victim advocate, reviewed the applications in conjunction with substance use disorder experts at the Health Department and selected 32 awardees totaling $19,999,709. An additional $1,500,000 Capital Project was awarded to the Town of Babylon.
Since the formation of The Suffolk County Opioid Task Force in 2021, created by County Executive Bellone, the county has made remarkable progress. The Task Force,through extensive collaboration with local experts and stakeholders, developed a guidance document outlining the goals and guidelines for the use of the opioid settlement dollars. Their comprehensive report was released on July 25, 2022 and quickly followed by a first-round funding announcement of $25 million.
In the first round of funding, Suffolk County awarded $25 million to 39 programs, both new and existing, for up to three years. An additional $11,225,000 was allocated to four capital projects.
Suffolk County Presiding Officer Leg. Kevin McCaffrey said: "The $20M in funds awarded in this latest round of opioid settlement grants will deliver vital funds to even more agencies that are in desperate need of resources to continue their fight against the scourge of opioids in our communities."
Suffolk County Minority Leader Leg. Jason Richberg said: "In this second round of opioid grant funding we are awarding $20 million to be invested into our communities to help our residents who truly need the support and the opportunity of treatment. Sadly, we all know someone in our lives who has been impacted by the opioid epidemic, and these funds are going to go a long way in providing resources and giving residents options in their fight against addiction. If someone wants help, we have a duty to make sure that help is available and easily accessible."