Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer visited Long Island to urge local substance use counselors to apply for federal funds to help combat the opioid epidemic.
A Newsday analysis reported a spike in drug overdoses last year as the COVID-19 pandemic raged across Long Island.
Now, Schumer said there’s billions of federal dollars for drug treatment and mental health services available through the latest stimulus package. He said Long Island should get a big chunk of it to beef up clinics and mobile response teams.
“It’s an innovative model to expand addiction treatment and provide access to care. Let's use all of this right here. Let's use it here on Long Island,” Schumer said.
Schumer said the pandemic brought with it an increase in depression and substance abuse problems related to the economic shutdowns and social isolation, and Long Island’s previous success with battling opioid addiction could be at risk.
