The Rural Health Network of South Central New York will place AmeriCorps members in non-profit organizations across 12 counties. They will provide nearly 20,000 hours of opioid prevention, education, treatment navigation and recovery support.

The program starts right away, and the Rural Health Network has already started the hiring process.

"I think the diversity of approach here is really targeting the resource to the particular activity, community, and organization that needs it, so it's not a one-size-fits-all," said Rural Health Network South Central New York Executive Director Jack Salo.

The program is made possible thanks to a $100,000 state grant through the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.