Votes at a glance: Assembly passes multiple consent-calendar bills, honors veterans' family On March 22 the Assembly moved a broad consent calendar that passed multiple bills (including mental hygiene, NYSERDA recommendations, and several social services and insurance-related measures) by unanimous recorded votes; the chamber also recognized the parents of Staff Sergeant Michael Allis.

The New York State Assembly made significant strides by passing crucial bills aimed at improving mental health treatment and honoring heroic veterans in a powerful session.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #SubstanceUseTreatment #MentalHealthReform #NewYorkAssembly #VeteransHonor

Fiscal Court approves substance-abuse program contracts and inmate health services; allocates $75,000 to Net Recovery Franklin County Fiscal Court unanimously awarded its Substance Abuse Program to The Shepherd’s House, renewed the county inmate health services contract with Comprehensive Correctional Care (3C), and approved a $75,000 agreement with Net Recovery that includes Isaiah House for Recovery.

Franklin County is taking a bold step in combating substance abuse and improving inmate health care by approving key contracts that prioritize local recovery services.

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#FranklinCounty #KY #CitizenPortal #HealthServices #SubstanceUseTreatment #FranklinCountySubstanceAbuse

DOC defends WellPath contract and announces expanded substance-treatment pilot at Northwest and CRCF DOC officials told the committee the WellPath contract (cited in testimony as about $44,000,000) covers broad medical services inside facilities and funds enhanced substance-use treatment pilots at CRCF and Northwest; DOC said the Burlington label in budget documents is misleading and that the pilot aims to scale statewide.

DOC reveals a staggering $44 million contract with WellPath to enhance substance-use treatment in Vermont, but what does it mean for the future of care?

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#VT #HealthcareAccess #CitizenPortal #SubstanceUseTreatment #VermontSubstanceUse #MentalHealthCare

RHA’s Substance Use Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program focuses on structured individual, group, and family therapy, case management, and substance use and addiction education. Visit rhahealth.org/opt to learn more about #SAIOP. #SubstanceUseTreatment #AddictionRecovery #NorthCarolina

Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially when trauma is part of the story.

If your work supports people in recovery, or if you’re rethinking how care is delivered, this session is for you.

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#TraumaInformedCare #SubstanceUseTreatment #SocialWork

Senate committee advances 10 corrections-related bills, reporting most to finance The Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, chaired by Senator Salazar, moved all 10 bills on its agenda — ranging from educational leave and telephone-notice before transfers to reintegration pilots and water testing — with most items reported to finance or recorded for further action.

The Senate is taking major steps to reform correctional policies with 10 new bills aimed at improving reentry services, educational opportunities, and victim notifications.

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#NY #CitizenPortal #NewYorkCorrections #SubstanceUseTreatment #VictimNotifications #ReentryServices

Connecticut hearing draws wide support for pilot overdose‑prevention centers Hundreds of residents, clinicians and people with lived experience urged the Public Health Committee to pass SB 195, saying supervised overdose‑prevention centers would save lives, reduce public drug use and connect people to treatment; state health officials said legal and regulatory questions remain.

Connecticut's Public Health Committee is hearing passionate testimonies about a proposed pilot for overdose-prevention centers that could save lives and reduce public drug use.

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#CT #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #SubstanceUseTreatment

Officials tell Judiciary committees Chittenden accountability docket cleared cases and linked defendants to treatment; plan county convenings to adapt model Judiciary leaders, the defender general and human services officials told a joint House and Senate Judiciary hearing that the Chittenden County accountability (3B) docket cleared hundreds of cases, connected dozens of people to treatment, and produced a rapid clearance rate; officials recommended convening counties to tailor and potentially expand the model statewide.

The Chittenden County accountability docket pilot is not only clearing hundreds of cases but also transforming lives by connecting justice-involved individuals to essential treatment services.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #SubstanceUseTreatment #PublicSafety #JusticeReform

Providers tell Kentucky committee reimbursement rates haven’t kept pace with inflation, urge rate increases Department of Corrections and halfway-house providers told the legislature that contracted residential reentry beds and Recovery Kentucky centers serve thousands but reimbursement rates set in 2019 have not kept pace with inflation, leaving providers short-staffed and financially ‘strapped.’

Kentucky's halfway-house and Recovery Kentucky networks are struggling to survive as reimbursement rates, unchanged since 2019, fall behind inflation, threatening vital services for those in need.

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#KY #CitizenPortal #SubstanceUseTreatment #PublicSafety #EconomicChallenges

Senate Institutions Committee reviews DOC FY26 budget adjustment, including Wellpath contract expansion and Medicaid offset Department of Corrections staff told the Senate Institutions Committee that H.790 would increase FY26 spending for in-state medical services and substance-use treatment under the Wellpath contract, offset some general-fund costs by moving allowable activities into the Global Commitment via a random moment time study, and add modest operating costs for out-of-state beds, utilities and staff hoteling.

Vermont's Senate Institutions Committee is diving deep into the Department of Corrections' budget adjustments, revealing a significant shift in funding strategies for medical and substance-use services.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #SubstanceUseTreatment #PublicSafety #BudgetAdjustment

Tooele County highlights jail-based addiction treatment program as route to reduce recidivism Tooele County presenters described a jail-based substance-use program run by the Tooele Opioid Response Network (TORN) and the RISE curriculum, saying early graduates show lower re‑incarceration and that grants currently cover instructor costs. Council discussed finding a permanent aftercare space and using program data to guide future county decisions.

Tooele County is revolutionizing addiction recovery with its innovative jail-based treatment program, boasting over 6,000 individuals served and promising results in reducing recidivism.

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#UT #RecidivismReduction #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #SubstanceUseTreatment #TooeleCounty

Virginia senators back expanded jail substance-use and mental-health grants, with provisos for smaller jails The Senate committee advanced two Joint Commission on Health Care recommendations to expand jail behavioral-health grants and redirect existing program funds; members pressed for safeguards so smaller jails without community services boards (CSBs) still provide counseling and continuity of care.

Virginia senators are pushing for vital reforms to enhance mental health and substance use treatment in jails, but will smaller facilities keep pace with these changes?

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#VA #CitizenPortal #VirginiaJails #SubstanceUseTreatment #MentalHealthAccess #CrisisIntervention

Alabama DOC outlines expanded in‑prison programming, education partnerships and reentry supports The Alabama Department of Corrections told the Joint Prison Oversight Committee it is expanding residential, vocational and reentry programming—highlighting a Bibb facility conversion, partnerships with JF Ingram State Technical College and Alabama Correctional Industries, and a federal distance‑learning equipment grant of about $1 million; lawmakers pressed DOC on access and outcomes.

The Alabama Department of Corrections is transforming prisons into educational hubs, offering inmates life-changing vocational training and support for successful reentry into society.

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#AL #SubstanceUseTreatment #ReentrySupport

Committee approves block of commission-backed criminal-justice and behavioral-health bills A Virginia House committee advanced a block of commission-recommended bills addressing park rangers' certification, juvenile confinement limits, interjurisdictional co-response agreements, addiction-recovery program requirements, jail-based opioid treatment grants, and credit for pretrial confinement; the block passed 18-0.

A Virginia House committee unanimously approved a groundbreaking package of bills aimed at reforming criminal justice and enhancing behavioral health services.

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#VA #BehavioralHealth #VirginiaCommunity #SubstanceUseTreatment #CriminalJustice #CitizenPortal

Whatcom County task force hears final site, model trade-offs for behavioral care center as FAB readies decision County staff presented three site options and recommended an out‑of‑custody behavioral care center at the Division Street campus; members debated transport, continuity of care and the need for in‑jail treatment as the Finance & Facility Advisory Board and County Council prepare for decisions in coming months.

Whatcom County is at a crossroads as officials debate the ideal site for a new behavioral care center—should it prioritize accessibility for treatment or proximity to the jail?

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#WhatcomCounty #WA #BehavioralHealth #SubstanceUseTreatment #CommunityCare #CitizenPortal

Board approves purchase of North Morrison treatment site using opioid settlement funds Santa Clara County voted to buy a San Jose property intended to add 32 substance‑use treatment beds; staff said the purchase (not to exceed $4.1 million) is funded with opioid settlement dollars and will add residential and withdrawal management capacity.

Santa Clara County is making a significant move to expand substance-use treatment by purchasing a new facility that will add 32 vital treatment beds, funded by opioid settlement dollars.

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#SantaClaraCounty #CA #CommunitySupport #SubstanceUseTreatment #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal

Health commissioner tells Senate Appropriation he will prioritize immunizations, substance-use treatment and access to care Department of Health Commissioner Bill Grant told the Senate Appropriation panel on Jan. 13 that his immediate priorities are maintaining vaccine access amid federal guidance changes, expanding substance-use disorder treatment and improving transportation and regionalized care to reduce hospital readmissions.

Vermont's Health Commissioner Bill Grant is prioritizing immunization access and innovative solutions for substance-use treatment, but challenges like transportation barriers remain critical.

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#VT #VermontHealth #PublicHealth #SubstanceUseTreatment #AccessToCare #CitizenPortal

New Vermont health leader emphasizes immunizations, substance‑use treatment gaps and access to care Rick Hildebrandt, newly on staff at the Vermont Department of Health, introduced himself to a legislative committee and prioritized preserving public‑health trust, maintaining vaccine access, addressing rising stimulant use and protecting statewide access to obstetric and reproductive services.

Vermont's new health leader, Rick Hildebrandt, is on a mission to bolster public trust while tackling urgent gaps in immunizations and substance use treatment across the state.

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#VT #VermontPublicHealth #SubstanceUseTreatment #ImmunizationAccess #HealthcareTransformation

Lawmakers discuss residential substance‑use treatment coverage and recovery bill planning The committee reviewed provisions from Act 22 (S36) requiring AHS to cover medically necessary, medically monitored residential treatment and to review Medicaid payment models; members also discussed the repeal of old 'public inebriate' language and planned presentations from Health, DMH and DOC on services for incapacitated individuals.

Vermont lawmakers are reshaping the landscape of substance-use treatment by ensuring coverage for necessary residential care and redefining how we support those incapacitated by addiction.

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#VT #MentalHealthServices #SubstanceUseTreatment #HealthCareReform

Custody health officials report rising substance‑use treatment needs; facilities and staffing constrained Custody Health Services and Behavioral Health described rising demand for substance‑use treatment among people in county custody, driven in part by fentanyl, and said facilities dating from the 1950s–1980s impose constraints on private interview and group‑based treatment space; staff noted a facility needs assessment is under review and will inform multi‑year facility planning.

As substance-use treatment needs soar in Santa Clara County jails, officials reveal the staggering impact of the fentanyl epidemic amidst severe facility and staffing shortages.

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#SantaClaraCounty #CA #SubstanceUseTreatment #PublicSafety #MentalHealthServices #CitizenPortal

Clay County treatment courts report growth, ask to retain $10,000 locally for recovery services Judges and court coordinators told the Clay County Board of Commissioners the county’s drug, DWI and veterans courts served dozens of participants in 2025 and requested that roughly one‑third of a $30,000 allocation (about $10,000) be retained locally to pay for “recovery capital” supports such as drivers’ classes and community education.

Clay County's treatment courts are making strides in recovery, but they need your support to retain $10,000 for essential services that can transform lives.

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#ClayCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #JusticeReform #CommunitySupport #ClayCountyRecovery #SubstanceUseTreatment

Visiting psychiatrist outlines Spokane County reforms, urges local investment in diversion and treatment Dr. Matt Layton presented an overview of Spokane County's blue‑ribbon commission and use of a local sales‑tax revenue source to fund crisis teams, training and diversion programs. He emphasized evidence‑based medication‑assisted treatment and integrated responses for co‑occurring mental health and addiction.

Dr. Matt Layton's compelling insights on Spokane County's innovative approach to mental health and substance use could reshape our local strategies—are we ready to invest in change?

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#KS #MentalHealthReform #CitizenPortal #SubstanceUseTreatment #CrisisIntervention

Princeton Zoning Board OKs Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center at Former Princeton Care Center with Conditions After multiple hearings and public comment focused on security and buffering, the Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a D3 variance and conditional‑use authorization to allow a licensed drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility at 728 Bunn Drive (the former Princeton Care Center). The board required the applicant to obtain the State license

The Princeton Zoning Board has just approved a new drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, but with strict conditions following community concerns about safety and property values.

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#PrincetonMercerCounty #NJ #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #CommunitySafety #SubstanceUseTreatment

Lewis County adopts budget amendment, approves public-health and court treatment contracts After a public hearing, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners approved a 2025 budget amendment and unanimously approved several contracts and MOUs to fund language-access services, substance-use treatment supports and court-related services funded largely by the Criminal Justice Treatment Account.

The Lewis County Board of Commissioners has taken a bold step by adopting a budget amendment that enhances crucial language-access services and treatment programs for the community.

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#LewisCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #LanguageAccess #CriminalJusticeReform #SubstanceUseTreatment

HOPE Council hears literature update on alcohol‑use medications, opioid treatment and emerging GLP‑1 research Dr. Calderon reviewed 2024–25 addiction literature curated by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, highlighted low initiation rates of FDA‑approved medications for alcohol use disorder in hospitalized patients, and summarized early research linking GLP‑1 drugs (used for diabetes/obesity) to reduced alcohol and substance use in observational,

Dr. Calderon's recent findings reveal that less than 2% of patients with alcohol use disorder are receiving life-saving medications, despite promising new treatments on the horizon.

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#LA #CitizenPortal #MedicationAccess #HealthEquity #LouisianaAddiction #SubstanceUseTreatment

Columbia Behavioral Health updates: Baker Building housing, new Seaside clinic and school-based services Columbia Behavioral Health told the HSAC it is on track to open 32 units of permanent supportive housing in Astoria, is adding clinic space in Seaside for children, expanding school-based substance-use services, and is reallocating staff amid funding shortfalls.

Columbia Behavioral Health is set to transform local mental health care with a new children's clinic opening next week and a housing project on track for December!

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#ClatsopCounty #OR #SubstanceUseTreatment #YouthOutpatientServices

Mason City Clinic Seeks More Opioid Funds Amid Licensing Delays Clinic requests $47,410 in opioid funds to meet community treatment needs and budget shortfall.

A new methadone clinic in Mason City is fighting for funding to combat opioid addiction, but challenges loom as costs soar and surrounding counties hesitate.

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#CerroGordoCounty #IA #CitizenPortal #OpioidAddiction #CommunityHealth #SubstanceUseTreatment #CerroGordoCounty

Expert Advocates Overdose Prevention Centers in Massachusetts to Combat Crisis Testimony highlights benefits of overdose prevention centers and need for legislative support.

Massachusetts lawmakers are facing pressure to establish overdose prevention centers as the state battles a persistent crisis, with over 1,700 lives lost last year alone.

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#MA #CitizenPortal #HealthEquity #PublicHealth #SubstanceUseTreatment

Santa Clara County Celebrates Opening of Compass Clinic for Substance Use Treatment County expands substance use treatment with new Compass Clinic offering same-day access.

Santa Clara County is taking bold steps to combat the mental health crisis with the launch of the new Compass Clinic, offering same-day access to vital substance use treatment.

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#SantaClaraCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #MentalHealth #PublicHealthInitiatives #SubstanceUseTreatment