“We’re watching the legacy of Cuomo’s 10 years of underfunding, cutting funding, neglecting legislation, rejecting evidence-based solutions play out in real-time — on top of an unstable drug supply, on top of the legacy of 50 years of the drug war,” said Jasmine Budnella, director of drug policy for VOCAL-NY, a group that advocates for […]
CONTACT Mariah McGough, Mariah@vocal-ny.org, 203 470 9979 VOCAL-NY RESPONDS TO ONE-HOUSE BUDGET PROPOSALS NEW YORK — In response to the New York Senate and Assembly releasing their one-house budget proposals over the weekend, VOCAL-NY released the following statement, attributable to Kim Smith, VOCAL-NY Political Director: “The Senate and Assembly’s one-house budget proposals make progress on a down payment
VOCAL-NY Responds To One-House Budget Proposals Read More »
In 2021, organizing won big for low-income New Yorkers. Through multiple moves, a global pandemic, and the worst rates of overdose ever recorded, our harm reduction services continued providing life-saving health care to people who use drugs. We know there is much to do, and we are committed to this work. Our victories in 2021
VOCAL-NY 2021 Annual Report Read More »
VOCAL-NY’s drug policy work is carried out by our Users Union, which unites low-income people directly affected by the war on drugs.
Proponents of supervised injection sites argue that the facilities will not only prevent overdose deaths but can actually stem the problem of public drug use that often leaves a trail of used syringes on the street and in parks.
New York Times: Nation’s First Supervised Drug-Injection Sites Open in New York Read More »
VOCAL-NY, a nonprofit that advocates for an end to punitive drug policies, has fought for the bill’s passage for years. Its users union represents people who use drugs and are impacted by those policies.
After years of being unsatisfied by the policy choices and priorities of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, VOCAL-NY is hopeful that Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration will emphasize data-backed decisions when it comes to New York’s drug policies, including embracing harm reduction strategies.
Capitol PressRoom: Harm reduction activists provide Hochul with drug policy roadmap Read More »
Newly-inaugurated Governor Hochul has an urgent responsibility to course-correct a decade of harm from Cuomo’s inaction on New York’s overdose crisis.
Drug Policy Roadmap for Governor Hochul’s First 45 Days in Office Read More »
On August 31st, for the last twenty years, the global community has observed International Overdose Awareness Day as a day to commemorate those lost to overdose, and to urge action on the accelerated crisis.
Overdose Prevention Package Memo Read More »
