State Launches Media Campaign to Raise Awareness of Addiction and Services

Aug. 4—ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced the launch of a new statewide media campaign to raise awareness of addiction, and the services available in New York State for those impacted by addiction and their families.

According to a news release, the campaign is designed to educate the public about the potential risks of fentanyl, as well as the importance of harm reduction services, and how and where to find help for addiction in New York State. As part of this campaign, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports is also launching a partnership with NEXT Distro to increase access to the overdose reversal medication, naloxone.

This partnership is funded through New York State's Opioid Settlement Fund and will allow individuals to receive naloxone by mail, free of charge. To compliment these efforts, OASAS is also premiering a new educational podcast series, entitled "Addiction: The Next Step." The podcast will educate the public about all aspects of addiction and the work of OASAS and highlight stories of individuals in recovery.

"The impact of fentanyl and the ongoing opioid and overdose crisis continues to be felt by New Yorkers in every community across the state, and we are working around the clock to address this public health emergency," Hochul said in the release. "We need to take every possible step to save lives which starts with educating New Yorkers on the dangers of these substances and the resources available to help all those who have been impacted."

"We are experiencing the worst overdose crisis in history. It is more important than ever that we inform the public about the ongoing risks, as well as the services and supports available here in New York. This campaign and podcast series is another way for us to get the message out that help is available, every step of the way, no matter what support people need or where they live. In addition, by supplying naloxone for free, we are giving people an important tool to help stop overdoses and save lives in their communities," New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham stated.

Fentanyl is a potentially extremely dangerous substance, which can be 100 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl is now present in approximately 75% of overdose deaths in New York State.

OASAS has worked to raise awareness of the potential dangers of fentanyl use through numerous efforts, including educating people on how to recognize signs of a fentanyl or opioid overdose, how to respond to an overdose and administer naloxone, and tips on how to avoid an overdose.

The Harm Reduction Delivered Campaign builds on these ongoing efforts, with a PSA campaign to educate New Yorkers on the potential dangers of fentanyl.

In addition to highlighting the potential dangers of fentanyl, and how New York State is working to address this crisis, the campaign will also raise awareness of harm reduction services.

The campaign also addresses the growing number of opioid-related overdoses across New York State through a new partnership to supply naloxone. OASAS is partnering with NEXT Distro to supply naloxone free of charge to individuals throughout the state. Previously, only OASAS and Office of Mental Health providers were able to order naloxone directly. Through a new ordering portal, individuals can now place orders for naloxone to be mailed directly to them.

For individuals looking to learn how to use naloxone, OASAS offers virtual naloxone training, which is open to the public, and educates individuals on how to recognize an overdose, respond by administering naloxone, and what to do after naloxone is given.

OASAS is also launching a podcast to educate the public about addiction, the services and supports available for New Yorkers, and how to access help. "Addiction: The Next Step" is hosted by former broadcast journalists and will include providers and other OASAS employees as guests, sharing their expertise about various aspects of addiction and the system of care in New York State.

The first episode features Cunningham, offering an introduction to OASAS, its mission, and the addiction services system in New York State. Future episodes will focus on OASAS prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services, and how these specialized services are integral to helping New Yorkers access the individualized help they need. Several episodes will also include conversations with New Yorkers in recovery, as well as others who have personal experience helping those affected by addiction.

Episodes will be released weekly and are available through audio and podcast apps, and will also be posted on the OASAS website and the agency's Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

New York State is receiving more than $2 billion through various settlement agreements with opioid manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies that were secured by Attorney General Letitia James.

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 at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

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

If you, or a loved one, have experienced insurance obstacles related to treatment or need help filing an appeal for a denied claim, contact the CHAMP helpline by phone at 888-614-5400 or email at ombuds@oasas.ny.gov.

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