NYS OASAS announces award of more than $475,000 to support addiction prevention workforce

Funding will support paid internship programs at prevention providers in every region of NYS

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports announced the award of $478,874 to 23 prevention providers across New York state to support the creation of paid internship positions. This program is designed to provide individuals a pathway into the prevention field, and to increase diversity within the prevention workforce.

“The prevention workforce and our certified prevention providers are both a critical part of the system of addiction care that is available throughout New York state,” OASAS Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said. “This program will attract new, dedicated workers to the prevention field and give them a path towards a rewarding career, while also helping our providers to further support the critical services that they deliver every day.”

A press release said, “The paid prevention internship opportunity (PPIO) program offers those interested in a career in the prevention field a way to receive valuable on-the-job experience, and provides an entry-level path toward a professional credential, such as certified prevention professional (CPP) or certified prevention specialist (CPS).

“In addition, it allows prevention providers an opportunity to recruit talented and dedicated staff to the field. A key objective of the program is also to foster diversity within the prevention workforce in order to best meet the needs of the communities they serve.”

Funding for this initiative was provided to New York state through the federal Supplemental Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant. Each of the providers is receiving between $18,000 and $21,000, depending on the amount requested. All eligible providers who applied were awarded the full requested funding amount.

In Western New York, Western New York United Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse Inc. is a funding recipient.

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

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