Six substance abuse use and prevention coalitions will be created in five counties in New York state under a $5.25 million plan announced Tuesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

The money will be directed toward tackling addiction in New York and focus on "priority" populations, including people of color, veterans, older people and people with disabilities as well as those who have a history of incarceration. 

"Addiction impacts New Yorkers from all walks of life, and my administration remains committed to using every tool at our disposal to help struggling individuals receive the supportive services they need," Hochul said. "This expansion of prevention services will allow us to reach more people in need and ensure we are taking all necessary steps to provide a full continuum of addiction care across New York State."

The money will to two programs in New York City as well as Cortland, Ontario, Nassau and Lewis counties. 

New York has seen a sharp rise in addiction over the last several years with a rise in overdose deaths that has coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"Prevention coalitions are targeted specifically to the communities where they are based and serve an important role in establishing strong prevention services to impact community change," Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said. "This funding will allow us to further expand these important programs in underserved communities and reach more people with important evidence-based programming, education, and other prevention efforts."