Strengthening Addiction Services
County-Level Planning to Address Local Needs
New York State law directs OASAS, the Office of Mental Health (OMH), and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to guide counties in planning local mental health, developmental disability, and addiction services.
County Directors of Community Services and Mental Health Commissioners look at what people need in terms of health and support services. Based on these needs, they set goals for four years and report on how they're doing each year.
The 2024-2027 planning cycle is underway. On this page, you'll find an overview of the regional need and corresponding county projects aimed at improving addiction services.
2024-2027 Overview of County Needs
Key Focus Areas and Changing Priorities
Local governments identified the biggest needs in addiction services as housing, crisis support, workforce development, transportation, and cross-system services. Additionally, more counties are calling for services for gambling harms and transition-age individuals, while concerns about the workforce have decreased.
Local governments identified the biggest needs in addiction services as housing, crisis support, workforce development, transportation, and cross-system services. Additionally, more counties are calling for services for gambling harms and transition-age individuals, while concerns about the workforce have decreased.
- 44% Need Increase Transition Age Services Needs The number of counties needing services for 18 to 25 year olds rose by 44%, with four more counties reporting the need in 2026 than 2024.
- 100% Need Increase Gambling Harms Needs The number of counties needing services for gambling harms rose by 100% with four more counties reporting the need in 2026 than 2024.
- 21% Need Decrease Workforce Support Needs The number of counties needing workforce support decreased by 21% with 11 fewer counties reporting the need in 2026 than 2024.
Expanding Access and Support
Key Initiatives for Addiction Services
- Expand substance use prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services
- Offer flexible, low-barrier substance use treatment services within new settings
- Ensure services meet community needs and build connections
- Support the professionals in the addiction services workforce
County-Level Needs and Strategies for 2024 to 2027
Using the Local Services Plan Dashboard
Explore specific county-level needs across the 2024-2026 planning cycles.
Review the dynamic strategies counties are using to address community needs.
Examine common needs for one or all counties.