The Hochul administration is pumping another $4.5 million into so-called 'harm-reduction' strategies to deal with New York's opioid epidemic - for an eye-popping of $12.5 million in public funds this year on programs critics say enable junkies and encourage addiction.
The state Office of Addiction Services and Support began soliciting proposals last month from nonprofits seeking a piece of the $4.5 million pot, with 15 expected to be paid up to $300,000 spread over three years to develop and continue 'harm reduction service projects statewide.'
State Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R-Staten Island) said the programs aren't only a waste of public money but - even worse - could have deadly results. 'These are all things that condone drug use,' said Pirozzolo. 'The goal here is to get people off of drugs, so they need a treatment center, a place where they can go that helps them learn not to use opioids. We need providers that do that. Anything else is furthering addiction.'
Angel Figueroa, a former addict who works down the street from a Midtown nonprofit that provides clean needles and similar services, said Hochul is 'playing Russian Roulette with people's lives.'
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