UTICA — The Addiction Stabilization Center of the Rescue Mission of Utica was awarded $50,000 in the state legislature’s final spate of generosity as its session drew to a close last month.
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-Marcy, announced Monday she secured the funding for the center. The facility serves substance use disorder patients, helping them through withdrawal and referring them on to treatment or other services. It also employs peer advocates who reach out to surviving overdose victims to try to link them to services.
“Opioid addiction has devastated families and communities across the state and the Mohawk Valley is no exception, Buttenschon said in a statement. “Addiction is a disease and groups like the Rescue Mission of Utica help give those with substance use disorders the support and treatment they need to recover.”
Rescue Mission Executive Director Wendy Goetz expressed her gratitude for the funding.
“The money comes as a huge surprise and blessing for us,” she said in a statement.
Buttenschon said she learned that the Legislature would have funding to go toward substance abuse issues and was asked by the Speaker of Assembly to find a related program in her district. Picking one proved difficult, she said.
“There’s a lot of great programs we have in this area. This one is unique,” Buttenschon said.
Close to 20 agencies across the state also received funding for addiction treatment and prevention, she said.
Contact reporter Amy Neff Roth at 315-792-5166 or follow her on Twitter (@OD_Roth).
