NY OASAS launches “Connections” Campaign to combat addiction

BOOTS ON THE GROUND? –

July 16, 2021 – The campaign is designed to empower individuals impacted by addiction to use their connections to friends, family members, health professionals, and other organizations, to find help and support in their treatment and recovery. Part of the funding to support the campaign was awarded to New York State through the federal State Opioid Response grant.

“This extraordinarily difficult past year has taught us the importance of staying in touch with loved ones, friends and neighbors,” Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul remarked. “The new ‘Connections’ campaign not only helps get the word out on lifesaving resources and services for New Yorkers who are battling addiction and substance use disorder, but is also a reminder that help is available to find a better and satisfying life,” Hochul explained.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult in so many ways, it undoubtedly had a profound impact on how we interacted with our normal social support systems thereby creating debilitating isolation and disconnection from much-needed resources and the people we love and associate with,” OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said.

“With this campaign, we want to encourage New Yorkers to uplift themselves and reclaim the power lost during this difficult time, and also to remind them that help is available to achieve a healthy life in sustained recovery from addiction,” González-Sánchez added.