Governor Kathy Hockle announced Thursday that free Overdose Emergency Kits will be available to domestic violence shelters and service providers across New York State. The initiative is a collaboration between the New York State Office of Domestic Violence Prevention (OPDV), the Office of Addiction Services and Assistance (OASAS) and the Department of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to support victims of domestic violence and intimate partner violence who are at high risk for overdose.
“The opioid and overdose epidemic affects too many New Yorkers,” said Governor Hockle. “Expanding access to life-saving overdose emergency kits in domestic violence programs, along with harm reduction, prevention and treatment support programs, will save lives. We will continue to focus our state’s resources to effectively and compassionately address the overdose epidemic.”
This effort is an extension of Governor Hokul’s aggressive efforts to combat the opioid crisis. Over the past 18 months, New York State has distributed nearly 700,000 overdose emergency kits across the state. Made possible by Project COPE, a SAMHSA grant-funded initiative, these kits contain naloxone, a drug that reverses opioid overdoses, and training resources for its administration.
Research shows there’s a strong correlation between domestic violence and drug use. Victims are often at increased risk of overdose due to factors like coercion and trauma-related drug use. This effort aims to fill that gap and provide critical support to victims by providing naloxone and training to domestic violence programs.
OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham stressed the importance of reaching out to those suffering from domestic violence. “The naloxone contained in these kits is one of the most important tools we have to prevent overdose deaths,” she said. “Making this medication more accessible will help save lives across New York State.”
OCFS Commissioner Dr. Damia Harris Madden highlighted the multifaceted challenges victims face. “The provision of these free emergency overdose kits, combined with the necessary training and resources, will enable domestic violence response providers to effectively respond to opioid emergencies and save lives,” she said.
This effort is part of New York State’s broader efforts to address the opioid and overdose epidemic, which includes allocating more than $335 million in Opioid Settlement Funds for prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery efforts. Additionally, mobile units and outreach services will be deployed to provide high-risk individuals with needed resources and support.
“Governor Hawkle’s announcement marks an important step toward improving the safety and well-being of domestic violence victims in New York State. By implementing these life-saving measures, the state continues its efforts to combat the opioid crisis and support our most vulnerable residents.”
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