Opioid Settlement Board expands from 19 to 21 members

Governor announces two new appointments

On Saturday, Gov. Kathy Hochul, after signing legislation expanding the Opioid Settlement Board from 19 members to 21 members, announced her two appointments to the board.

"As we make our comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must commit to also mitigating the impact of the opioid pandemic New Yorkers have endured for many years," Hochul said. "That is why I am appointing Anne Constantino and Debra Pantin, two dedicated and qualified public servants to work with me in delivering results to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery for New Yorkers who need our support."

Constantino is the president and CEO of Horizon Health Services. She has worked at Horizon since 1986, when she began as chief operating officer. As CEO, Constantino has seen an expansion of services in Western New York. As a result of the expansion, Horizon Health Services have grown and become one of the largest providers of mental health and addiction treatment and support services providers in Western New York. Constantino graduated from Buffalo State (BA) and SUNY Buffalo (MS). She is active in her community and on multiple boards such as: Amherst Chamber of Commerce, executive committee member; NYS Addiction Services Providers, executive committee; Coalition for Community Services, a network of New York SUD treatment agencies.

Pantin is the president and CEO of Outreach Development Corp., located in Richmond Hill. As CEO, Pantin focuses on using her 30 years of experience in the substance abuse and mental health treatment field. By trade, Pantin is a social worker who has an extensive background in uplifting communities and improving outcomes. While working as CEO of VIP Community Services in the Bronx, Pantin was able to help oversee unprecedented growth in agency operations. Funding was raised from $21 million to $30 million under her watch. Pantin is president of the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State (ASAPNYS) and is the chair of Mental Health News Education's board of directors. She participates in numerous national, state and local boards, and was previously the co-chair of the substance abuse treatment committee for the Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies.

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) made three recommendations for appointment to the Opioid Settlement Board, which are currently being reviewed.