Sen. Metzger Announces $200,000 State Award to Support Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster
October 21, 2020
Hudson Valley and Catskills...Senator Jen Metzger (SD-42) today announced a $200,000 capital award secured by her office for Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster, a not-for-profit 501(c)3. In addition to providing anti-poverty and homelessness assistance, Catholic Charities also provides substance abuse treatment and prevention services in three of the counties Senator Metzger represents.
“Prior to the pandemic, we made real progress in fighting the opioid crisis in the state legislature, passing over 20 bills to address this epidemic, including greatly expanding access to treatment and life-saving overdose reversal medication. Catholic Charities is doing important work on the ground in our communities to treat people battling substance use disorder and support them in recovery, and I’m pleased to announce this capital grant to invest in the organization's facilities,” said Senator Jen Metzger. “We need to double down on our collective efforts in prevention and treatment, working with local law enforcement, county health departments, community-based organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and other partners. Working together is the only way to get this done.”
Dr. Dean Scher, CEO of Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster said, “Catholic Charities is on the frontlines in the fight against opioids each and every day. We are grateful to Senator Metzger for supporting our commitment ensuring that those in need of addiction treatment and recovery support have access to services close to home. These funds will allow us to make necessary facility upgrades that will enhance client care. As the pandemic continues, we are witnessing an increase in substance use and overdoses. Access to treatment services is more important than ever. Senator Metzger’s advocacy on behalf of Catholic Charities and those we serve will help us to better meet the needs of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones who are struggling with substance use make their way along the road to recovery.”
In June, Dr. Dean Scher of Catholic Charities joined Senator Metzger for a Facebook livestream discussion of the opioid epidemic in the region as overdoses have spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jen Metzger represents the 42nd Senate District, which includes all of Sullivan County and parts of Delaware, Orange, and Ulster Counties. Senator Metzger serves as Chair of the Agriculture Committee and sits on the Environmental Conservation, Education, Health, Energy and Telecommunications, Local Government, Women’s Issues, Domestic Animal Welfare, and Legislative Commission on Rural Resources Committees.
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