New York is sending $5.5 million to more than a dozen organizations in order to combat addiction and provide services to people in underserved populations of the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office recently announced. 

The money is coming from a larger $2 billion settlement New York received from major companies deemed responsible for the proliferation of opioids and rise in addiction over the last generation. 

"My administration remains committed to implementing a multi-faceted strategy to address the opioid and overdose epidemic across New York," Hochul said. "Through this more than $5.5 million award, we can help connect high-need individuals to the care they need to improve their health and well-being."

A rise in overdose deaths over the last several years in the state has alarmed public health officials. The increase has coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, leading state officials to seek broader ways of addressing addiction treatment and services. 

The money announced by Hochul is meant to provide support for two different models of addiciton treatment. One is for the Clinci Model, delivered by a program certified by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the Office of Mental Health or the Department of Health. 

There is also the Street Outreach Model, which also provides support for harm reduction providers through medication to treat addiction. 

"New York State is facing an opioid epidemic, and it's so important that all residents dealing with the effects of substance use disorder know they have support," said state Health Commissioner James McDonald. "I know Governor Hochul is committed to ensuring that underserved communities have access to lifesaving resources that can help them overcome addiction and live healthy and fulfilling lives."