Archive: News

Through the NYS Department of Health Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program, Alcohol & Drug Council of Tompkins County has secured $6,961,000 in funding to add a 40-bed medically supervised withdrawal (detox) and residential services program to their currently existing Open Access Center, which opened at 2353 North Triphammer Road in February of this year. Additional funding to support this project was awarded by NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). This collaboration between the Department of Health and OASAS has been foundational to ensuring that the full continuum of care vision will be realized for the people in our region.

"Our community has long needed this level of care, and we have been working very hard to bring these vital healthcare services to our area," says Alcohol & Drug Council Executive Director, Angela Sullivan. "We're deeply grateful to our state and county government leaders and the many human service partners who have helped us to reach this point."

The program will be the first in Tompkins County to provide 24/7 access to addiction treatment with a medically-supervised detox and stabilization unit, and is expected to be operating in 2020. Ithaca native and local physician Dr. John-Paul Mead will serve as Medical Director of this program, and will lead a team of medical and clinical staff.

"The day is very close when we can provide a full spectrum of services to patients suffering from addiction in Tompkins and surrounding counties, and provide a viable alternative to emergency room visits, hospital stays, and even jail time for many patients," says Medical Director Dr. Mead. "I look forward to treating people in all stages of use, abuse, withdrawal, and recovery, from a wide array of substances, including alcohol, opiates, methamphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, and synthetics."

This new facility will fill a critical gap in addiction treatment and serve as a valuable healthcare resource for Tompkins and surrounding counties, offering a safe, easily accessible and stigma-free environment for people with substance use disorders to seek help whenever they are ready - at any time of the day or night. Clinicians will make assessments and work with each person to determine the most appropriate level of care. Partner agencies and peer advocates will also help support a continuum of care along the entire path to long-term, sustainable recovery, by offering ongoing medical, mental health, advocacy, legal, housing, employment, and social services, to more effectively and holistically address this public health crisis in our region.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, New York State remains committed to making sure our health care partners have the resources necessary to further integrate and modernize the delivery of health care services to patients throughout the State. Thanks to these investments, we will continue to shape and enhance health care for future generations."

"The right level of care is critical to recovery from addiction," OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said. "This funding awarded to ADC will continue our ongoing expansions of services throughout New York State, and will help more people receive the help they need to support their treatment and recovery from addiction."

"Tompkins County has prioritized the need for these services in the community for many years," says Tompkins County Public Health Director, Frank Kruppa. "We are excited the Alcohol and Drug Council was willing to step in and present a plan that could be supported by the Department of Health and OASAS. I also appreciate the commitment of the Governor, the Department of Health, OASAS and our County Legislature to see this plan funded for the most vulnerable in our community. These services will save lives."

"We are incredibly grateful for these state funds, which will allow the ADC to serve people from a nine-county region, with detox and residential care that simply doesn't exist here," adds Martha Robertson, Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature. "We have heard from our local judges that without this kind of facility, they often have to send people to jail to keep them safe. With this partnership with New York State, ADC's compassionate commitment to the clients in our community will literally save lives."

'This is really exciting news and something that will truly help so many of those suffering from substance abuse and addiction in our county and surrounding counties," notes County Health and Human Services Chair Shawna Black. "Thank you and congratulations to Director Sullivan and ADC staff for their relentless effort and dedication to one of our most vulnerable populations, and to Governor Cuomo and OASAS for recognizing the need in our community and investing in our people."

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