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SCHUMER HELPS SECURE MAJOR VICTORIES TO COMBAT HEROIN-OPIOID EPIDEMIC ON LONG ISLAND IN RECENTLY ANNOUNCED FEDERAL BUDGET

Schumer Announces That The Bipartisan Budget Bill Includes More Than $3.8 Billion for the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, a $35 Million Increase From Last Year; Funding Agreement Also Increases Support for HIDTA and Law Enforcement 

Funding Agreement Also Provides Nearly $450 Million in Federal Funds for Treatment Programs, Prevention Programs & Enforcement

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the federal budget agreement provides $3.8 billion, a $35 million increase from last year, for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which helps lead the effort to combat opioid and heroin crisis gripping communities throughout New York and the rest of the nation. In the last two fiscal years, New York received more than $111 million from SAMHSA block grants. Additionally, the agreement funds nearly $450 million in efforts through several departments and agencies specifically targeted to attack the opioid/heroin crisis. The agreement also provides a $4 million increase to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program, which brings the entire pot to $254 million.

“The opioid and heroin crisis on Long Island and across New York is a symptom of a national emergency that’s taken the lives of far too many Americans,” said Senator Schumer. “This significant federal investment will put words into action and combat this national crisis by supporting prevention, interdiction, treatment and recovery programs and help us turn the tide against this tragic scourge.”

“We were also able to secure a $4 million increase for the HIDTA program – an important victory that will help federal law enforcement slow the spread of drug overdoses and deaths. The rise in abuse of fentanyl-laced heroin, which can be 50 times more potent than heroin alone, is downright terrifying. With more HIDTA funding on the way, federal and local law enforcement officials can share more information, equipment, manpower, and resources to fight this epidemic,” added Schumer.

In addition to SAMHSA funds, Schumer outlined the major victories in the bill that will help combat the heroin-opioid epidemic on Long Island.

  • $160.5 million from the Department of Justice for interdiction, enforcement and treatment programs;
  • $112 million for the Centers for Disease Control for preventing prescription drug overdoses
  • $56 million from SAMHSA for grants to expand access to drug treatment services for those with a dependence on prescription opioids or heroin.
  • $20 million for programs newly authorized under the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.
  • $50 million to Community Health Centers for services to prevent and treat addiction in underserved areas throughout New York and the nation. There are 65 CHCs in New York, serving nearly 2 million patients in 2015 and employing more than 15,000 New Yorkers.
  • $50 million to the Department of Veterans Affairs for additional funding for treatment and prevention.

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