Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) is tasked with examining policies, practices and developing goals using an equity lens and implementing change that is anti-racist, trauma informed, LGBTQ+ affirming and centered on the integration of equitable practices and the inclusion of all. We believe in the principles of equity, value the intersectionality of our staff and the people we serve, and commit to collaborating and being guided by culturally specific community partners, dismantling oppressive systems, policies and practices, and instituting strategies that center on marginalized communities, especially black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).

OASAS commits to performing this work using a collaborative process, continuous engagement, assessment, evaluation and involvement of agency staff, providers, and communities that we serve.

In January of 2022, Governor Hochul signed legislation (Chapter 4 of the Laws of 2022) creating the Commitee for Treatment Equity within the Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council.

The Committee for Treatment Equity is tasked with examining the substance use disorder system for purposes of:

• Identifying stakeholders and working collaboratively to set priorities to achieve treatment equity in racially and ethnically diverse regions of the state and among vulnerable populations throughout the state;
• Analyzing data to identify the root causes of treatment inequities in racially and ethnically diverse regions of the state and among vulnerable populations throughout the state;
• Recommending strategies to overcome substance use treatment inequities;
• Promoting community engagement; and,
• Reviewing the impact of current laws, rules, regulations, policies and programs impacting the ability to achieve treatment equity.

Lived Experience Advisory Panel

The Office of Addiction Services and Supports is seeking to create an advisory panel comprised of people with lived or living experience related to substance use and gambling. The panel will serve in an advisory capacity to the Commissioner of OASAS. OASAS seeks advice from persons with lived experience to inform OASAS policy, programming and funding priorities.

A person with lived experience is defined as any person that has used any substance (alcohol or drugs) and has received services from any provider related to their substance use. Persons with lived experience may also include individuals that have engaged in gambling activity and received services for their gambling condition from a provider. It is not required that the person with lived experience have received services in an OASAS certified, funded or otherwise authorized program. The program or provider may be an OASAS prevention, treatment or recovery program, a harm reduction program, a mental health program or a primary care/physical health program or provider, including a private practitioner.

The Panel will be comprised of thirty (30) people with lived experience. Efforts will be made to ensure that the Panel is a broad and diverse representation of New Yorkers. Panel participants will be selected through an application process and appointed by the Commissioner of OASAS for a three-year term.

• Panel meetings will be conducted quarterly.
• Meeting locations will be identified in New York City or Albany.
• Participants are encouraged to attend meetings in-person.
• Quarterly meetings will be scheduled for approximately four hours.
• Participants will be compensated up to $150 for participation in each meeting.
• Transportation expenses will be reimbursed separately, and assistance will be provided to complete the appropriate forms for reimbursement.
• Light food and beverages will be provided at the meetings.

Timeline

An announcement identifying appointed members will be made in December 2023.

The meeting schedule for 2024 is as follows:

1. January 4, 2024, at 10:00am in New York City

2. April 11, 2024, at 10:30am in Albany

3. July 11, 2024, at 10:00am in New York City

4. October 3, 2024, at 10:30am in Albany
 

Questions? Please contact [email protected].

Cultural Competency Trainings

What is Cultural Competency?

Cultural Competency refers to the professional lens that guides addiction service providers in their work. Cultural competence requires providers to be conscientious, sensitive and respectful to the life experiences and world view of those in their care to ensure better treatment and recovery outcomes.

The tenets of Cultural Competence include: Cultural Appropriateness, Cultural Intelligence, Cultural Sensitivity, Cultural Relevance, Cultural Responsiveness, Cultural Awareness, Cultural Humility, and Cultural Conscientiousness.

Together, these tenets provide the foundation for providers to ensure better treatment outcomes.

Training Opportunities:

• Learning Thursdays OASAS has a number of on-demand Cultural Competency trainings available for free. Credentialing and/or re-credentialing credit may be offered. Topics explored in these training include, but are not limited to:
  • Issues Faced by Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming People
  • Meeting the Needs of Justice Involved Veterans 
  • Native Americans and SUDs: Expanding Trauma-informed Care
     
• Training Catalog Search for cultural competency trainings happening near you.