2025-2029 Agency Strategic Plan & 2026 Interim Report

Goal 1: Develop a service continuum that matches individual, family, and community needs.

Objective 1.1: Redefine the OASAS continuum to encompass prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery and use data-driven planning to ensure equitable access to services.

 

Objective 1.2: Utilize evidence-based interventions to address the needs of underserved populations and communities in NYS.

 

Objective 1.3: Implement an enhanced approach to care for persons with other comorbidities and ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the full range of services.

 

Objective 1.4: Use system data and Local Services Plans to ensure programming and staffing meet the needs of individuals, families, and communities.

 

Objective 1.5: Employ telehealth, mobile treatment units, and other innovative forms of service delivery to reduce barriers, increase awareness, and expand access to underserved areas in NYS.

Goal 2: Ensure services are desired, valued, and utilized.

Objective 2.1: Together with stakeholders, cultivate evidence-based, trauma-informed, and person-driven services that are culturally responsive to values, norms, and language.

 

Objective 2.2: Ensure that service settings are welcoming to the people served and the community.

 

Objective 2.3: Reduce stigma towards people with addiction within service providers.

 

Objective 2.4: Foster relationships among community organizations, peers, individuals with lived experience, and persons who are impacted by addiction to connect with service-seeking individuals.

Goal 3: Optimize outcomes across the continuum.

Objective 3.1: Establish and measure individual and program-level outcomes across the continuum.

 

Objective 3.2:  Support a data-driven culture to inform improved outcomes.

Goal 4: Reduce racism and stigma surrounding addiction.  

Objective 4.1: Challenge and dispel myths and stereotypes about addiction and the continuum of addiction services.

 

Objective 4.2: Promote culturally responsive and affirming programming across the continuum of addiction services.

Expanding Community and School-Based Prevention Services 

Community-Level Prevention 

Community coalitions partner with prevention providers to deliver evidence-based programs and environmental change strategies to schools, senior centers, libraries, community-based organizations, and youth centers in underserved NYS communities. These coalitions offered community-centered substance use disorder prevention services in 54 counties.  

Strengthening School-Based Programming

OASAS-funded prevention providers offer evidence-based and/or evidence-informed prevention, including social and emotional learning competencies, to entire school districts from pre-school through high school. NYS OASAS prevention services are delivered in 60% of NYS school districts.

Work Across the Lifespan

OASAS is expanding the use of evidence-based screening and intervention tools into more communities including youth, older adults, and individuals at risk for developing substance use disorder.

Addressing The Needs of Underserved Populations and Developing Innovative Forms of Service Delivery

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics bolster mental health services and create integrated care models that close coverage gaps and help the needs of New Yorkers regardless of their ability to pay. There are 39 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics that offer person-centered and trauma-informed care for individuals of all ages, including children, with mental health and/or substance use disorder at over 250 locations throughout NYS.

Embedded Addiction Services in Correctional Settings

Addiction services are now provided in all 58 jails and all 41 prisons in NYS reaching more than 16,000 incarcerated individuals. Services range from medications for addiction treatment, professional peer support services, individual and group counseling, and reentry and transition planning. The number of people receiving medication for addiction treatment in NYS prisons has increased 7 times from 2022 to 2025.

Crisis Stabilization Centers

OASAS is partnering with OMH on Crisis Stabilization Centers. The Crisis Stabilization Center certification is a dual-certification from OASAS and OMH. Crisis Stabilization Centers provide voluntary support, assistance, and urgent treatment to individuals across the lifespan. Centers are founded on person-centered care and utilize peers and peer advocates to support patient care.

 

Crisis Stabilization Centers are categorized as either a Supportive Crisis Stabilization Center or an Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center. Both offer behavioral health stabilization and/or referral services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Supportive Crisis Stabilization Centers services are for individuals experiencing challenges in daily life that do not pose a likelihood of serious harm. Intensive Crisis Stabilization Centers provide rapid access to services for acute symptoms to assist in diversion from a higher level of care. This includes medication treatment for management of substance use and mental health symptoms. To date, there are 2 supportive and 6 intensive crisis stabilization centers that are currently operational throughout NYS. Four additional crisis stabilization centers are expected to become operational within the next 3 months and 14 more are in the planning stages.

Increasing Access to Medications for Addiction Treatment

Statewide Methadone Access

In 2026, OASAS expanded methadone access into counties that did not have previously have a methadone program. The number of counties with one or more programs with methadone increased from 29 counties in 2021 to 43 counties in 2026. This represents a 48% increase in the number of counties with one or more programs with methadone.

 

To date, 27 counties have more programs with methadone than in 2021. The number of programs with methadone increased from 98 programs in 2021 to 137 programs in 2026. This represents a 40% increase in the number of programs with methadone access throughout NYS.

Mobile Medication Units

Mobile medication units (MMUs) reach individuals who may face barriers to accessing traditional treatment, such as proximity to a traditional treatment facility or issues with transportation. MMUs offer a wide range of addiction services, medical care, and medication for addiction treatment, including methadone. There are 7 MMUs currently operational and OASAS is supporting 3 additional programs through MMU planning stages.

Comprehensive Outpatient Programs

Comprehensive outpatient programs offer outpatient and opioid treatment program services at the same location. These programs have created new opportunities to access person-centered services and medication for addiction treatment, including methadone. There are almost 70 comprehensive outpatient programs offering integrated services throughout NYS.

Reaching New Populations and Distributing Life Saving Harm Reduction Supplies

Harm Reduction Supplies Delivered

OASAS maintains the first in the nation online ordering portal where naloxone kits and test strips can be ordered free of charge by any NYS resident who requests them. OASAS has distributed over 390,000 naloxone kits and over 25 million test strips since 2022.

Outreach and Engagement Services

To expand harm reduction education, support, resources, and linkages, OASAS funds organizations to provide services through mobile outreach. Outreach teams build trust with individuals over time, provide harm reduction services, and foster connections with additional supports.

 

Since 2024, outreach and engagement teams reached over 12,000 people during 41,000 outreach encounters throughout NYS. The majority of outreach and engagement services were provided in the community, and 85% of engagement locations were outside of traditional clinic settings.

Expanding the Continuum of Recovery Supports Throughout NYS

Nonmedical Transportation

OASAS established a non-medical transportation pilot program providing over 89,000 rides to individuals engaged in the addiction services system. This funding allowed programs to offer transportation that supports nonmedical social care needs, including visits to substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction and recovery programs.

Youth and Young Adult Clubhouses

Clubhouses, which focus on serving youth (ages 12-17) and young adults (ages 18-24), are built upon a core of peer-driven support and services that encourage and promote a drug-free lifestyle. The Clubhouses use evidence-based strategies and help individuals in recovery develop social skills that promote prevention, long-term health, wellness, recovery and an addiction-free lifestyle. A variety of services and activities are available, including tutoring and help with homework; college and job preparation; community service opportunities; peer mentoring; and sports, fitness, and group entertainment activities.

 

In 2025, 21 Clubhouses served an average of 1,600 unique youth and youth adults each month, of whom about 375 were new each month. Youth and young adults made over 51,000 visits to Clubhouses in 2025.

Recovery Community and Outreach Centers (RCOCs)

Recovery Community and Outreach Centers (RCOCs) promote long-term recovery through skill building, recreation, wellness education, employment readiness, civic restoration opportunities, and other social activities. The Centers also provide an opportunity for individuals and families to connect with peers who are going through similar challenges so that they can benefit from shared experiences and a commitment to common goals for recovery.

 

In 2025, 31 RCOCs served an average of 6,000 unique individuals each month, of whom around 865 were new individuals receiving services for the first time during each month. Staff and volunteers at RCOCs facilitated over 42,000 groups as part of their programming, almost half of which were recovery/peer support sessions. RCOCs make referrals to prevention, treatment and harm reduction services in the addiction services system and foster connections with social care needs for the individuals they serve. In 2025, most RCOCs referrals were made to substance use disorder treatment, financial, employment, health care, transportation, and housing services.

Focusing on Gambling

Preventing and Identifying Gambling-Related Harms

In 2025, 145 OASAS prevention providers offered community trainings on prevention and identification of gambling harms. OASAS provides harm reduction support for those experiencing financial harms due to gambling by offering free financial counseling through GamFin.

Tailoring Treatment Services

All OASAS inpatient and outpatient treatment programs screen for gambling harms. As of 2025, 53 OASAS treatment programs obtained a gambling designation, a 51% increase since 2023. OASAS funds 7 Problem Gambling Resource Centers, which provide tailored support to people experiencing gambling-related harms.

Increasing Awareness and Understanding

OASAS has piloted implementation of gambling services and supports in 8 Recovery Centers. Additionally, the Agency partnered with the NYS Gaming Commission to collect data from those who have a mobile sports wagering account in NYS to better understand how people are engaging in this type of gambling.

 

Two OASAS gambling-related data bulletins describe the environment and services in NYS: The Gambling Risk Environment and Public Perceptions of Gambling in New York State and Gambling Harms and Gambling Disorder Service and Treatment Utilization in New York State.

Goal 1: Promote mutually respectful engagement, transparency, and accountability with providers and people served.

Objective 1.1: Provide clear and consistent communication about organizational policies, changes, guidance, procedures, and decisions.

 

Objective 1.2: Increase and invest in collaboration and partnership with the addiction service system.

 

Objective 1.3: Provide comprehensive assistance to support the addiction services system.

Goal 2: Increase the number, diversity, and engagement of the addiction workforce.

Objective 2.1: Increase the number of people in New York with professional credentials in addiction.

 

Objective 2.2: Improve the retention among the addiction workforce and help foster opportunities for career growth within the field. 

 

Objective 2.3: Through a trauma-informed care approach, build and sustain comprehensive support systems to foster a healthy work environment for the addiction workforce.

Goal 3: Leverage finances to optimize outcomes.

Objective 3.1: Use discretionary funding to diversify the addiction services system, ensuring OASAS’ strategic priorities are met through a wide range of high quality, evidence-based services.

 

Objective 3.2: Identify opportunities to maximize Medicaid and other revenue sources to support programs and services that align with OASAS’ strategic priorities. 

 

Objective 3.3: Ensure OASAS funding supports a comprehensive equity-centered service system.

 

Objective 3.4: Provide funding to support provider data collection infrastructure.

Goal 4: Improve monitoring and accountability of services provided under/within OASAS oversight.

Objective 4.1: Develop and implement processes for tracking and improving identified performance outcomes through incentives, monitoring, and corrective action.

 

Objective 4.2: Implement an agency-wide recertification process focused on quality services and outcomes for people served.

 

Objective 4.3: Provide technical assistance to providers seeking to establish or improve existing services to promote best practices and increase compliance with regulations.

 

Objective 4.4: Deliver training and guidance on data collection, analysis, and reporting for performance measures.

Strengthening the Addiction Services Workforce

Creating Scholarship Pathways for Addiction Credentials and Degrees

The OASAS Addiction Professionals Scholarship Program, funded through opioid settlement dollars, supported around 2,000 workforce professionals to join or advance their careers in the addiction workforce through 28 education partners in every NYS county. These scholarships fund education, application and exams fees for credentialing and certification, stipends for additional educational needs, access to faculty mentoring, and paid internships. To date, 360 students have completed paid internships through the Addiction Professional Scholarship Program.

Interdisciplinary Substance Use Disorder Fellowship

The Interdisciplinary Substance Use Disorder Fellowship offers 79 full and part-time fellowships to graduate and post graduate professionals in medicine, nursing, psychology, counseling, occupational therapy, and peer services. Fellows work and learn with physicians in addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry who are enrolled in 5 NYS medical schools. OASAS’ fellowship provides opportunities for students to learn from each other’s unique skills, talents and perspectives and to gain experience interacting with one another in substance use prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction.

Enhancing the Addiction Workforce Through the OASAS Leadership Academy

The OASAS Leadership Academy is a four-month grant-funded program offering tailored training focused on leadership skills, trauma-informed practices, and stress management to the addiction services workforce. This opportunity is available to staff who work in OASAS-authorized, and integrated OMH and DOH prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery programs. To date, over 500 individuals have participated in and graduated from the OASAS Leadership Academy.

Supporting Prevention Providers to Establish Paid Internship Positions

The Paid Prevention Internship Opportunity enables prevention providers in 19 NYS counties to provide 60 hours of prevention training toward Certified Prevention Profession or Certified Prevention Specialist certification across 23 prevention internship sites.

Increasing Accessibility of Services Through Language Availability Programs

OASAS certification exams for Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor and Credentialed Prevention Professional or Specialist are now available in Spanish, with the option to request a special accommodation for 77 additional languages. These certifications allow individuals to work in OASAS-certified programs and provide counseling and other services to New Yorkers impacted by addiction. Making certification exams available in more languages increases access to addiction services system employment and the ability for programs to meet community needs. OASAS also makes exam recipients aware of the other accommodations to reduce barrier to performing well on exams, such as extra time, private rooms, personal or computer-based readers and others, and is working to increase accessibility to these accommodations.

Leveraging Finances to Make an Impact

Serving Priority Populations Through Opioid Settlement Funds

NYS leads the country in making the most opioid settlement fund dollars available the fastest. More than $454 million opioid settlement dollars were made available to community-based providers, with over 80% of services provided to populations with complex needs, including individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders.

 

OASAS is committed to 100% transparency on the opioid settlement funding dollars that come through OASAS. Information on the OASAS led distribution of funds are publicly available on the New York State Opioid Settlements webpage. OSF@Work is a video series where community members, addiction services system providers, and local government leaders share highlights on how opioid settlement funds are being used to address addiction services needs throughout NYS.

Reimagining Regional Office

OASAS is piloting an oversight initiative, in partnership with substance use disorder treatment providers representing each region in NYS, to redesign oversight, streamline resources, and coordinate addiction services system reviews.

Recovery Friendly Workplace Tax Credit

The Recovery Friendly Workplace Tax Credit is designed to combat the stigma surrounding addiction in the workplace and increase employment opportunities for New Yorkers in recovery. This first-in-the-nation program provides a tax incentive to certified employers for employing individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder in NYS.

Goal 1: Be the acknowledged experts on addiction.

Objective 1.1: OASAS will be the definitive source for addiction-related information and resources.

 

Objective 1.2: OASAS staff, as subject matter experts, will be the principal sources cited in media reports about addiction and addiction-related consequences.

Goal 2: Enhance strong, collaborative relationships with external government stakeholders.

Objective 2.1: Enhance collaborations with Federal, State, County, City, and Tribal partners.

 

Objective 2.2: Maintain effective, transparent, and timely communications with stakeholders.

Goal 3: Promote the success and value of OASAS, the addiction services system, and the people served.

Objective 3.1: Communicate the value and importance of the continuum of OASAS services and the people who we serve to increase public awareness and understanding.

Promoting the Value of OASAS, the Addiction Services Systems, and the People Served

Raising Awareness About Prevention, Treatment, Harm Reduction, and Recovery Services

Addiction: The Next Step is a podcast hosted by OASAS in which discussions focus on all things prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery, and highlight the importance of specialized services. Expert guests include providers, people with lived experience, peers and those familiar with the system of care in New York State.

 

The Routine for Recovery public awareness video highlights the critical work of opioid treatment providers as told by clients who have received services at these facilities.

 

The Take a Pause campaign highlights the steps New Yorkers can take to understand the risks and ensure responsible gambling, in particular for those who participate in mobile sports betting. The campaign continues to air during sports seasons, encouraging people to take a quick survey to receive feedback on their current gambling behaviors and how to access support if needed.

 

The Turn the Page on Stigma campaign focuses on reducing stigma experienced by people who are impacted by addiction and increasing awareness of available treatments.

 

OASAS partnered with Stanford University to increase awareness among teachers, community-based organizations and Parent Teacher Associations about underage substance use, including cannabis.

Communicating Data-Driven Information and Contributing to the Evidence

Addiction Data Bulletins explore addiction data within the broader public health and policy landscape. To date, 7 addiction data bulletins have been produced, covering a variety of topics including gambling, criminal legal involvement, and other substance use patterns.

 

To help support addiction professionals and those they serve, OASAS published 22 research articles.

 

OASAS created a Cannabis Toolkit for parents and mentors, designed to offer resources and information about cannabis and how to talk to young people about the risks of underage cannabis use and the impact it can have.

 

The NYS Overdose Death Dashboard illustrates the scope of the drug overdose crisis in NYS and guides targeted interventions to those who are most at risk.

 

The NYS Alcohol-Related Causes of Death Dashboard describes the scope of alcohol-related deaths in NYS.

 

The Substance Use Disorder Treatment System Dashboard provides a profile of the people receiving substance use disorder treatment services overseen by OASAS.

 

The Local Planning Dashboard describes the health and human services needs reported by NYS counties, four-year goals, and progress made to address these needs. 

Goal 1: Refine the data collection system to reflect the service continuum and inform policy and decision-making.

Objective 1.1: Refine the data collection infrastructure to deliver actionable insights that meet the cross-divisional demands of the agency.

 

Objective 1.2: Conduct ongoing assessment of services, data needs, and system performance.

Goal 2: Automate, standardize, and improve agency processes.

Objective 2.1: Automate and standardize workflows to eliminate unnecessary and inefficient processes.

 

Objective 2.2: Improve interagency and intra-agency relationships and processes to enhance accountability structures.

Goal 3: Modernize agency physical infrastructure.

Objective 3.1: Update Addiction Treatment Center infrastructure to align with strategic priorities.

 

Objective 3.2: Modernize office infrastructure to empower the OASAS workforce and ultimately enhance the ability to deliver exceptional addiction services.

Meeting Cross-System Needs

Facilitating Learning Collaborative and Training Series

The Learning Collaborative and Training Series communicates best practices, fosters collaboration among addiction services system providers, shares regulatory updates, and teaches reporting requirements across the continuum of prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery.

Equity-Informed Decision Making

OASAS has reengaged the Lived and Living Experience Advisory Panel. OASAS partners with the panel to gather advice from people with lived and living experience to inform OASAS policy, programming and funding priorities.

Data-Driven Communication: Reporting and Data Analysis Report

The OASAS Reporting and Data Analysis Report (RADAR) reflects reported data back to programs, allowing them to compare data elements to similar program groupings. The RADAR describes the demographics of people served in the treatment program, illustrates the services provided, and demonstrates the importance of accurate and timely data submission.

Improving Data Reporting

OASAS offers training and technical assistance sessions to addiction services system providers based on need and hosted a training series on OASAS reporting requirements and applications.

Goal 1: Create a recruitment process aligned with OASAS’ priorities.

Objective 1.1: In partnership with Civil Service, ensure the OASAS recruits and sustains a workforce that fulfils the agency mission.

Goal 2: Foster an environment that is antiracist and supports learning, engagement, and professional development.

Objective 2.1: Ensure the OASAS workforce is retained, supported, and has opportunities to grow their careers.

 

Objective 2.2: Foster an organizational culture that is inclusive, equitable, and just for all employees, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.

Supporting and Investing In Our Team

Sanctuary Institute Certifications at Addiction Treatment Centers

12 Addiction Treatment Centers are certified by the Sanctuary Institute on trauma-informed clinical and organizational culture.

NY Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) Program

NY HELPS streamlines processes to allow State agencies to hire diverse, qualified permanent employees quickly and without examinations.

Fostering Communication Through Town Halls for OASAS Staff

To encourage information sharing among OASAS staff, the agency hosts monthly town halls to discuss emerging trends, substance-focused needs, and work accomplished across prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery.