Two health organizations with locations in Chautauqua County are receiving state funding to support medication for opioid addiction treatment.
Evergreen Health Services and BestSelf Behavioral Health will each receive up to $500,000 as part of $7 million being awarded to 15 providers across the state.
The funding will help establish comprehensive, low-threshold buprenorphine services. Research shows that buprenorphine is a safe and effective way to treat opioid use disorder, however many providers have rigid requirements for entering and continuing treatment. This can limit the number of individuals who receive this medication. Comprehensive low threshold programs are designed to help address this issue by allowing for same-day, immediate buprenorphine treatment and care management services.
The funding is being distributed through New York State’s Opioid Settlement Fund.
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The Chautauqua County Legislature has approved opting into an opioid settlement that will bring in over $957,000 to the county.
State Attorney General Letitia James secured a $523 million settlement with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries last year after the company was found liable for public nuisance charges.
County Attorney Pat Slagle said New York is receiving an additional $211 million from a $4.3 billion national settlement Teva agreed to in July. He said that carve out had to be approved by local governments by February 1.
Slagle said payments will be received in $50,000 increments over a 13 year period. $374,249 of the funds are unrestricted with $583,555 being designated for treating opioid use disorders, supporting people in treatment and recovery, and other efforts related to the opioid crisis.
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Letitia James
New York State Attorney General Letitia James has secured up to $523 million from Teva Pharmaceuticals for its role in the opioid crisis.
The settlement is the largest reached with an individual opioid defendant by Attorney General James and raises the total amount secured from opioid manufacturers and distributors to more than $2 billion to combat the opioid crisis.
The settlement resolves Attorney General James’ claims against Teva, the final remaining defendant not currently in bankruptcy and concludes the Attorney General’s litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and its affiliates were found liable last year for public nuisance charges by a jury on Long Island. To resolve the remedies phase, Teva agreed to pay out $313 million over 18 years.
According to James, New York will additionally receive $211 million from a $4.3 billion national settlement Teva agreed to in July if it is approved by state and local governments and tribes.
The agreement includes a prohibition on marketing opioids, restrictions on political lobbying and a ban on high-dose opioids.
New York created a settlement fund to earmark the money for abatement, treatment, and prevention efforts in hard-hit communities.
]]>WRFA’s Julia Ciesla-Hanley speaks with Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel about the 2023 County Budget, Opioid Settlement monies, and more.
PJ Wendel
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