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How additional funds are strengthening existing programs

0:39:07

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Council Member Linda Lee asks how the additional settlement funds are being used to strengthen existing programs. Dr. Rebecca Linn-Walton explains various ways the funds are enhancing services and expanding capabilities.

Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) have expanded hours and improved infrastructure
New investments in hot food services at SSPs
Improved communication and connections between different types of services
Expanded on-site medication access, including same-day access to buprenorphine at SSPs

Linda Lee

0:39:07

Can I so can I ask you something?

0:39:08

Because I know a lot of these groups were doing the work already to begin with.

0:39:11

Right?

0:39:11

So how are the additional funds being used to strengthen the work that they're already doing, whether it be through the current because I know, like, there's so many outreach programs, and I had a cure question later on about show because I I'm just very curious with all these flowcharts and programs and everything, like, as someone who used to navigate folks on the nonprofit side or in, you know, all the city programs that are out there, I I gotta say it becomes very confusing very quickly.

0:39:39

And I think I need, you know, sort of a very simplified version of how because I my worry and my biggest pet peeve, you guys have heard me say this over and over again, is I the silos in the different city agencies and the programs.

0:39:52

And I get that some of it is restricted by state city regulations with OMH versus OASIS and CASAC and all these other things.

0:40:00

But and I I I understand that, but I guess if you could just sort of, go into that a little bit more in terms of how the additional funds are different or in addition to complementing the work.

Dr. Rebecca Linn- Walton

0:40:13

Yeah.

0:40:13

As a social worker, I want you want me to and as a social worker, I'm interested in that too.

0:40:17

Yeah.

0:40:18

So, some examples are at the Syringe Services Programs, previous to having this funding, they weren't able to have as many hours.

0:40:26

They're also going to be having a one time investment in infrastructure, so they can do things like mold remediation and have the space be as respectful as we want for New Yorkers.

0:40:36

They also are able to do things like build out hot food services rather than serving cold food.

0:40:41

And then, also, we're working very hard, absolutely.

0:40:45

Doesn't matter whether it's OSF funding or not.

0:40:47

We wanna have better communications so that maybe someone comes for syringe services programs, but they don't wanna talk to a substance use counselor.

0:40:53

They wanna talk to a mental health counselor.

0:40:55

How do we know who our community partners are in that community and how does the health department make those connections so that regardless of funding or not, our purpose is to get those organizations talking.

0:41:06

And they want that and they keep asking for that.

0:41:08

And so, that's part of our work is to work with them hand in hand so that for someone who comes in, the full menu of whatever they may want is available for them at the door.

0:41:17

And so, the opioid settlement funds have expanded hours, expanded the numbers and types of services and also expanded on-site medication.

0:41:25

You know, you used to have to wait to get to an opioid treatment program under or another licensed clinic to get at quick access to buprenorphine, and through these funds and other funds, we're able to have same day access if someone wants on the on-site at the SSPs.

0:41:40

So we're really proud of that work.

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Nonprofit partners involved in settlement-funded programs

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Accountability measures and performance metrics for funded programs