The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services today announced $3.6 million in new funding to build a new community residence offering substance use disorder treatment for women. This new funding will enable Fairview Recovery Services, Inc., one of the Southern Tier region’s substance use disorder treatment providers, to offer additional residential treatment services for women at a new 18-bed facility. The new facility, certified by the NYS OASAS, will include new clinical space, treatment programming areas, and recreational space. It will also include tailored programming and accommodations for mothers with substance use disorder so that their children can stay with them during treatment.

“Too often women who suffer from a substance use disorder do not seek treatment because of the fear of being separated from their children. This new facility will enable women to have access to substance use disorder treatment services, and those who are moms to engage in treatment while keeping their children with them,” said New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “This new, state-of-the-art space will help improve delivery of addiction treatment services and help more individuals start on the path toward recovery without jeopardizing their family structure.”

The center will service clients from Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga counties as well as individuals from other parts of the state. Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2016. Partnering with NYS OASAS, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) is providing project management services, helping to guide the project from design through construction.

"DASNY is proud to partner with OASAS to provide Fairview Recovery Services with a new building that will give mothers and children the safe spaces they need to find renewal," said Gerrard P. Bushell, DASNY President & CEO. "Secure within its walls, these women will have access to the tools they need to help them recover and restart their lives."

“Opioid and other drug abuse is a scourge on our community," said New York State Senator Fred Akshar. "My law enforcement background has shown me that investing in treatment and increasing bed availability is something we need to focus our energy on. I'm encouraged by New York State's support for our community's drug treatment needs. This funding from the state will ensure that families will have better recovery options available.”

State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Chair of the Assembly’s Legislative Women’s Caucus, said, “This certainly is welcome news given what our community has been struggling with. This expansion will provide a much needed resource for women who are struggling with substance use disorders. In addition to increasing capacity at treatment facilities, we must also stay focused on education and prevention; this will certainly be a major component of budget and legislative discussions during the upcoming session.”

Broome County Executive Debra A. Preston said, “We want to thank the state for this funding and consider this another step in fighting the growing drug problem in our area. These beds will be available to those in the community that need them, especially to help young children and their mothers kick this awful addiction.”

Broome County Legislator and Health & Human Services Committee Chairman Kelly Wildoner said, “This expansion couldn’t have come at a better time! I would like to thank the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services for their commitment to helping those in Broome County receive the vital care they so desperately need.”

Binghamton Mayor Rich David said, “For many years, Fairview Recovery Services has been a beacon for hope and healing in our community. This expansion means more specialized services for men and women in need, and a critical investment in substance abuse treatment in the Southern Tier. I thank Commissioner González-Sánchez and Governor Cuomo for their assistance in this effort.”

Michele Napolitano, MSEd, CRC, CASAC, Executive Director, Fairview Recovery Services, Inc., said, “Addiction often tears families apart, and mothers in recovery in our community face significant obstacles in holding their lives together. Fairview's new Women's Community Residence will allow mothers and children to remain together in care that supports sobriety and family permanence at a time they need it most.”

New Yorkers in need of help for addiction can call the New York State HOPEline, a toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week hotline, at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (short code 467369), to find a substance use disorder treatment provider close to where they live and other support services. Treatment providers can also be located on the NYS OASAS Find Help web page on the OASAS website at www.oasas.ny.gov.