For the majority of my life, from Buffalo to Brooklyn, I’ve been walking over dead bodies. Every day, 17 New Yorkers are lost to the same crisis: preventable overdose. Each person we lose has their own story, their own loved ones and their own past. But until New York State takes action to combat these […]
We entered 2022 riding the highs of the previous year, our most successful New YorkState legislative session ever. We knew we had our work cut out for us. Stateand city budgets placed an emphasis on gutting essential services forlow-income New Yorkers and prioritizing investments in criminalization,incarceration, and lining the pockets of the wealthiest. While elected
VOCAL-NY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT Read More »
CONTACT: Mariah McGough, mariah@vocal-ny.org VOCAL-NY CELEBRATES PROGRESSIVE VICTORY IN CHICAGO MAYORAL RUN-OFF New York State Leadership is on Notice: Voters Want Progress, and We Won’t Settle for the Status Quo or Punitive Crime Policies of Decades Past NEW YORK — In response to Progressive Brandon Johnson being elected as Chicago’s next mayor, VOCAL-NY released the following statement, attributable to
VOCAL-NY Celebrates Progressive Victory in Chicago Mayoral Run-Off Read More »
To Jasmine Budnella, director of drug policy at VOCAL-NY, the rhetoric around breaking up supply chains is a repackaging of the same policies that have historically targeted drug users. “The way that Governor Hochul was framing it was like we would go after the Pablo Escobars of the world. But in reality, we know who
NEW YORK FOCUS: HOCHUL QUIETLY BETS ON POLICE TO BATTLE FENTANYL: Read More »
Jasmine Budnella, policy director for the progressive VOCAL-NY, said that she is pleased to see both chambers take some sort of action on the measure, adding the timeline gives advocates more time to mobilize on the issue before the legislative session ends in June. “Given that we’re losing so many people, now is the time
TIMES UNION: LEGISLATURE VOICES SOME SUPPORT FOR OVERDOSE PREVENTION CENTERS: Read More »
CONTACT Jasmine Budnella, jasmine@vocal-ny.org, 720-480-5262 VOCAL-NY CELEBRATES PASSAGE OF THE SAFER CONSUMPTION SERVICES ACT THROUGH ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE, CALLS ON LEGISLATURE TO KEEP MOMENTUM The Safer Consumption Services Act Would Authorize the Expansion and Funding of Overdose Prevention Centers Statewide In New York City, Overdose Prevention Centers Have Saved Nearly 800 Lives from Fatal Overdoses
The Senate Democrats are proposing adding $40 million to the governor’s proposal to spend on recommendations from the settlement board, including overdose prevention center programs and services. A similar investment was not included in the one-house budget proposal by the Assembly Democrats, according to VOCAL-NY, which supports the centers. Read More
CaPITOL PRESS ROOM: Senate Dems endorse overdose prevention centers: Read More »
CONTACT: Mariah McGough, mariah@vocal-ny.org VOCAL-NY APPLAUDS NYS SENATE AND ASSEMBLY FOR PRIORITIZING HOUSING AND OVERDOSE PREVENTION IN BUDGET PROPOSALS After Weeks of Advocacy in Albany, State Lawmakers Heard Concerns and Addressed Them in Their One-House Budget Proposals NEW YORK — Today, in response to the release of the Senate and Assembly One-House Budgets, VOCAL-NY released the following statement,
Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) – also known as safer injecting facilities or safer consumption spaces – are controlled health care settings where people can safely use pre-obtained drugs under clinical supervision. The overdose crisis is a kitchen table issue, and affects all corners of the state. This conversation guide can help answer the most common
CONTACT: Mariah McGough, mariah@vocal-ny.org VOCAL-NY RESPONDS TO MAYOR ADAMS’ STATE OF THE CITY See VOCAL-NY’s 2023 Policy Platform for Mayor Adams and the New York City Council NEW YORK — Today, in response to Mayor Adams second annual State of the City, VOCAL-NY released the following statement, attributable to Jawanza Williams, VOCAL-NY Director of Organizing: “Today we heard little about
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