Will be Only Facility in Broome County to Offer Specific Beds Dedicated to Detox
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening of the SBH Binghamton Evaluation Center, a new addiction treatment facility at the former Broome County Developmental Center. The facility will include 50 Medically Supervised Withdrawal and Stabilization beds, also referred to as Detox beds, and will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services is providing $1.5 million in annual operational funding for the program. Syracuse Behavioral Health was selected as the facility operator through a Broome County Request for Proposals process.
"As addiction continues to devastate communities across the country, New York is redoubling its efforts to fight this epidemic," Governor Cuomo said. "The expansion of treatment services in the Southern Tier will allow us to attack this problem head on, and provide aid and resources to those seeking help."
"I have met with grieving families who are pushing for expanded access to treatment services, and New York State is continuing to deliver," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Co-Chair of the State's Heroin and Opioid Abuse Task Force. "New York's strategy to combat the opioid epidemic includes significant state resources to expand the number of treatment beds, which will enable more New Yorkers to follow the road to recovery. The Southern Tier has been hit hard by this crisis, and with this latest announcement, we're continuing to invest in solutions to save lives."
Medically Supervised Withdrawal and Stabilization services offer medical assessment, information about recovery support, family treatment, clinical services, and medication to manage withdrawal symptoms. Detox programs are a short-term service that are designed to prepare and connect people to longer term treatment. The facility is also planning to offer longer term residential treatment services in the future.
The SBH Binghamton Evaluation Center will be located in Building one on the Broome County Developmental Center campus, at 249 Glenwood Road in Binghamton. Facility site work by DASNY included interior renovations as well as purchasing and coordination of kitchen furniture and equipment. DASNY also provided real-estate services to assist OASAS and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities in establishing a lease for the property.
This expansion of services is part of Governor Cuomo's continued multi-pronged approach to address the opioid epidemic by providing comprehensive prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, "Thanks to Governor Cuomo's commitment to fighting addiction, we are bringing more lifesaving services to Broome County with this project. By repurposing vacant space at the former Broome Developmental Center into this new state-of-the-art facility, we will be able to help people better access the help they need in their recovery, and get on the path to a healthier life."
Gerrard P. Bushell, DASNY President & CEO said, "This facility will provide the Southern Tier with another line of defense against the sweeping opioid epidemic. From construction to design and purchasing, DASNY is proud to have the wide-breadth of its services on full display to help bring this project to life and promote healthy communities across New York State."
Senator Fred Akshar said, "Today is an important step forward in our efforts to save lives against the tide of heroin and opioid addiction that's ravaged families across the Southern Tier. It's clear that when we work together and put people before politics, we can achieve positive outcomes and help those who are suffering from addiction. The opioid epidemic has already claimed far too many lives and shattered far too many families in the Southern Tier. In times of crisis, it's incumbent upon all of us to stand united and work collectively to help those in need."
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, "We've known for a long time that stabilization is the first step in helping those dealing with addiction. With the opening of Syracuse Behavioral Health's facility at the Broome Developmental Center, we will finally have a complete continuum of care, working with our other providers, to help local residents. I appreciate the County Executive's leadership on this issue and was happy to work with him, my colleagues in state government, and the Governor's Office to make this a reality. We also could not have done this without the overwhelming support of the community; especially those who have lost loved ones. Their advocacy had a tremendous impact."
Assemblyman Clifford Crouch said, "This is a huge step in the battle against the opioid and heroin epidemic here in the Southern Tier. Providing those battling addiction with the necessary treatment, medication, and support is crucial to their successful rehabilitation. I would like to thank the Governor's office and all the parties involved in making this happen. It was a collaborative effort and will benefit our community greatly."
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, "Today's announcement is a victory for Broome County and will save lives. The opening of SBH today is a testament of what can be accomplished when elected officials, regardless of political affiliation, come together and say 'This is the right thing to do'. It's about saving lives and fighting against the opioid epidemic in Broome County. When I took office, I made a commitment to bring a treatment facility to Broome County. Thanks to Governor Andrew Cuomo and our state leaders, this has happened in record-breaking time. I want to thank Senator Akshar, Assemblywoman Lupardo and Assemblyman Crouch for working as a team, securing funding and fast-tracking bringing these much-needed resources here."
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, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. Visit CombatAddiction.ny.gov to learn more about the warning signs of addiction, review information on how to get help, and access resources on how to facilitate conversations with loved ones and communities about addiction. For tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing alcohol or drug use, visit the State's Talk2Prevent website.