CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ANNOUNCES $1.8 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO COMBAT NEW YORK’S OPIOID CRISIS

(Rochester, NY)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced the U.S Department of Labor is granting $1.8 million in federal funding to support employment and training services to combat the ongoing opioid crisis in New York State. Locally, RochesterWorks is expected to receive $248,722 to continue their work helping those affected by opioid addiction through professional development.

“Opioid overdose cases are at a record high in Monroe County, and we need to invest in programs that will affect meaningful change,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “These funds will create local jobs in essential recovery positions and help reintegrate workers displaced by the opioid crisis back into the workforce. Our community is blessed to have RochesterWorks leading the way in these recovery efforts—working together, we can win the battle against the opioid epidemic and help those affected by addiction rebuild their lives.”

“Combatting the opioid crisis requires a community response, which must include getting those in recovery back onto a road to economic independence,” said Dave Seeley, Executive Director of RochesterWorks. “I am proud of our team at RochesterWorks, who conceived and executed this successful program which has a proven track record of results. It is particularly notable that many of the career pathways we are paving for our participants involve helping others living with addiction. Thanks to Rep. Morelle and our Federal partners for this valuable funding.”

In 2021, the CDC determined 2,420 overdose deaths in New York were attributed to opioids. These Opioid Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker grants will provide eligible participants with disaster relief employment in jobs addressing the impacts of the opioid crisis, including positions such as peer supports, peer recovery navigators and intake coordinator staff.

From 2019-2021, RochesterWorks assisted 105 individuals in obtaining credentials to become Certified Recovery Peer Advocates, Certified Peer Specialist and Certified Addiction Recovery Coaches. All participants had a 100% success rate completing their training, and a 98% success rate gaining regular employment.