Alliance for Positive Change has been awarded a federal funding allocation for our new Accessing Options for Opioid Management (Options) program, which expands access to trauma-informed harm reduction and substance use treatment for women living in New York City. Alliance’s Options provides supportive services for low-income cisgender and transgender women to navigate systemic inequities to health and well-being.
“We are grateful to Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for investing in community-based organizations and allocating funding to advance health equity in New York,” said Brenda Starks-Ross, Alliance’s Deputy Executive Director and COO. “With this funding, Alliance will significantly expand our programming for women to explore options for harm reduction and substance use treatment in a safe, welcoming space. In the face of the overdose crisis, we advocate for the dignity, health, and safety of every individual’s chosen pathway to positive change.”
"All New Yorkers deserve to have access to medical, behavioral health and trauma-informed services," said Senator Gillibrand. "This investment in the Alliance for Positive Change Options program will advance health equity and provide women in New York City with expanded options for harm reduction and substance use treatment. I am proud to deliver this funding and will continue to fight for federal resources to improve health outcomes for all New Yorkers.”
“I am proud to support Alliance for Positive Change’s Options program to improve health outcomes for low-income, marginalized women with substance use disorder,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “With New York City experiencing a record number of overdose deaths each year, it is so important we continue to invest in community-based organizations combating the overdose crisis. This $500,000 in federal funding will expand access to Alliance’s opioid management program and help New Yorkers overcome barriers to equitable healthcare. I won’t stop fighting to deliver the resources needed to support local organizations like Alliance and their work to help the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
Alliance’s Options creates a safe space for women to receive support and resources that address underlying trauma, depression, stigma, and substance use. By addressing social determinants of health—such as food insecurity, housing instability, violence, trauma, and poverty—Options will improve access to medical and behavioral health and recovery support services. Alliance’s Options leverages Peer-led learning among program participants and staff where women can receive support and resources that will result in reduced hospitalizations, reduced emergency room utilization, and improved health outcomes for women in New York.
Overdose deaths in New York City continue to rise. The NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene reports that in 2022, there were 3,026 overdose deaths in New York City, an increase of 12 percent from 2021 and the highest number on record since reporting began in 2000. Alliance’s Options program will address this concerning trend by providing New Yorkers who use drugs with health care, connection to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), recovery support, Peer counseling, and other vital services.