Today local Staten Island officials and community members gathered for the opening of the first Youth Clubhouse on Staten Island. The facility is part of the New York State “Staying Healthy” program which is funded by the increase of appropriations passed by both houses of the legislature in the 2019 State Budget. The clubhouse will provide long-term treatment for youth experiencing addiction.

$200 million in funding was earmarked to address the heroin and opioid crisis. The budget included an increase of over $30 million (5 percent) in operating and capital support for OASAS to continue to enhance prevention, treatment and recovery programs, residential service opportunities, and public awareness and education activities.

The added funding will now provide Staten Island with its first treatment center, located at 1268 Forest Avenue. The facility will provide a place for young people in recovery or at risk of addiction to develop social skills that promote long-term health, wellness and a drug-free lifestyle. The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Subtance Abuse Services is contributing more than $240,000 to support the operation of this facility.

New Yorker’s 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 1-877-846-7369 or texting HOPENY (short code 467369).

“Through a concerted effort during the 2019 Budget the Legislature and the Governor were able to expand funding allowing for the first Youth Clubhouse facility to open in my district. It is great to see the funding increases going to a worthy cause, to combat the problems of addiction early, rather than later.

This provides a positive solution to the ongoing drug epidemic that our nation, state and Staten Island is currently facing. It’s essential for the long-term health of our families and community,” said Assemblyman Charles D. Fall.