BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- The Department of Community Services has received funding from the New York State OASAS Opioid Settlement Fund.

Legislators approved a resolution during the full board meeting on May 6 to modify the Community Services Departmental budget to appropriate the funds.

On Oct. 3, 2023, the Community Services Board approved using the funds for new and existing pass-through agencies for harm reduction, treatment, housing, prevention and transportation services.

"Community Services has recognized the need for increased access of individuals with an Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) to recovery services in St. Lawrence County," legislators said.

Funds will be used for the operating expenses of the mobile treatment clinic to increase access to treatment for Opioid Use Disorder throughout the county, legislators said.

The Opioid Settlement State funding provided will follow the calendar year and can be rolled over to subsequent years and reconciled on an annual basis.

In other action, legislators also approved a budget modification for the Community Services Department to accept an Outreach and Engagement Clinic Model grant.

The $250,371 grant is also funded through OASAS settlement funds and will be used to support outreach and engagement through care management services designed to reach underserved populations who have Opioid Use Disorder.

A third resolution modified the department's budget to accept a $26,713 grant from OASAS SAPT Block Grant Comprehensive Integrated Outpatient Treatment Program.

The SAPT Block Grant Program annually provides funds to states and territories to help plan, implement and evaluate activities that prevent and treat substance abuse and promote public health.

He $36,713, like other funds from similar grants, will be used to increase access to individuals with Opioid Use Disorder and recovery services in St. Lawrence County.