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NYS OASAS announces new public awareness campaign to highlight importance of social support in fight against addiction

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Tue, Jul 13th 2021 02:00 pm

‘Connections’ campaign highlights support available for those affected by addiction, and directs them to OASAS-certified programs

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) on Tuesday announced the launch of the new “Connections” campaign to remind New Yorkers of the importance of social connections in the battle against addiction and substance use disorder.

A press release stated, “The campaign is designed to empower individuals impacted by addiction to use their connections to friends, family members, health professionals and other organizations, to find help and support in their treatment and recovery. Part of the funding to support the campaign was awarded to New York state through the federal State Opioid Response grant.”

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “This extraordinarily difficult past year has taught us the importance of staying in touch with loved ones, friends and neighbors. The new 'Connections' campaign not only helps get the word out on lifesaving resources and services for New Yorkers who are battling addiction and substance use disorder, but is also a reminder that help is available to find a better and satisfying life."

OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, “While the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult in so many ways, it undoubtedly had a profound impact on how we interacted with our normal social support systems thereby creating debilitating isolation and disconnection from much-needed resources and the people we love and associate with. With this campaign, we want to encourage New Yorkers to uplift themselves and reclaim the power lost during this difficult time, and also to remind them that help is available to achieve a healthy life in sustained recovery from addiction.”

Campaign content will run online on social media and streaming audio. PSAs will also be seen on billboards, city buses, subways and the Staten Island Ferry with messages addressing the importance of connections and personal well-being, in addition to focusing on opioid overdose prevention and the use of naloxone to save lives.

The press release stated, “New Yorkers are also encouraged to focus on the value of connections and how they help to foster the best outcomes for overcoming addiction and finding a better and satisfying life.

“The “Connections” campaign also raises awareness about the risks of overdoses due to the presence of fentanyl in other illicit substances. Fentanyl is a lethal opioid that has been detected in other illicit substances such as heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy, which can result in overdoses and fatalities.”

The statewide campaign runs through the end of August.

Individuals will be encouraged to visit the OASAS webpage for information about prevention, treatment and recovery services, and will also be directed to the NYS HOPEline, where they can receive help for themselves or someone else. Campaign materials are located on the public awareness section of the OASAS website.

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, seven-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 OASAS treatment availability dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the website.

Those who have experienced insurance obstacles related to treatment or need help filing an appeal for a denied claim can contact the CHAMP helpline by phone at 888-614-5400 or email at [email protected].

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