OASAS Supports Governor's Commitment to Reform and Rebuild State Economy

• by New York State Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services

ALBANY, NY (01/06/2010)(readMedia)-- State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today commended Governor David A. Paterson for his plans to rebuild New York through fiscal and ethics reforms and economic development initiatives.

"Governor Paterson continues to show strength and foresight by developing a promising blueprint for putting New York back on a path to economic recovery," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "The Governor's proposals to make bold changes will help families, strengthen communities, and assure New Yorkers that government works for the people."

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo also cited the Governor's accomplishments, including the success last year of his 25-year commitment to reforming the harsh Rockefeller Drug Laws. The sweeping reforms eliminated the harsh sentences mandated by the Rockefeller Drug Laws by giving judges total authority to divert non-violent offenders to treatment and greatly expanding drug treatment programs. The law strikes a careful and appropriate balance to ensure that non-violent addicted offenders get the treatment they need, while predatory kingpins get the punishment they deserve. New York has made a significant investment to ensure that drug law reform is successful.

"Our Governor has shown time and time again his willingness to do what's right for New York and today's plan for New York was another clear example of the leadership that our state needs," Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo said.

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems dedicated to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, with more than 1,550 programs serving over 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day.

Through efforts such as the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com, the agency hopes to foster a movement of recovery, one that sheds the stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness.

Addiction is a chronic disease and New Yorkers need to know that help and hope is available. Individuals can find help by calling the toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day a week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY. For more information, please visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.

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