Network Awarded $920,000 Grant to Expand Harm Reduction Street Outreach Services
Greater Capital Region — June 2025 —Capital Behavioral Health Network IPA (CBHN), a trusted independent practice association of 30 mental health and substance use service organizations serving Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Columbia and Greene Counties, is proud to announce the award of a regional two-year grant totaling $920,000 to support and expand targeted harm reduction street outreach program in Albany, Rensselaer, Columbia and Greene Counties. This new grant will provide funding for harm reduction specialists and certified peer recovery advocates who will connect with individuals in communities impacted by opioid use with the ultimate objectives of reducing drug related fatalities, reducing transmission of infectious diseases, and expanding access to services.
The Street Outreach Initiative will seek out and engage individuals who are often underserved by traditional systems. The grant will fund staffing, transportation, life-saving harm reduction supplies, and the expansion of outreach hours to reach more people during times of high need.
“This funding comes at a critical time, as overdose rates remain high and many of our community members continue to face barriers to care,” said Dorothy Cucinelli, Executive Director of Capital Behavioral Health Network. “With this support, we can meet people where they are—literally—and offer compassionate, judgment-free care that saves lives,” adds Kelly Lane, CBHN’s Director of Regional Projects.
The regional street outreach team is comprised of trained and certified staff from Catholic Charities Care Coordination Services (serving Albany and Rensselaer Counties) and Twin County Recovery Services (serving Columbia and Greene Counties).
The initiative will leverage the region’s highly successful network-based approach to opioid and stimulant use services – COAST (Coordinated Opioid Stimulant Treatment), connecting individuals to life-saving medication assisted treatment, care coordination, and ongoing health, mental health, and substance use treatment.
This grant is funded by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). The official funding press release can be found here: NYS OASAS Press Release
For more information about the Capital Behavioral Health Network, its regional projects, or to support harm reduction outreach efforts, visit www.cbhnetwork.com.