NYS Launches Faith-Based GRACE Initiative
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the Guided Recovery Action through Congregational Engagement, or GRACE initiative. This initiative, which was one of the Governor’s 2026 State of the State proposals, is a new effort between the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and the New York State Department of State’s Interfaith Advisory Council. GRACE is designed to educate New Yorkers about addiction and equip faith leaders with the means to connect individuals in their congregations to available tools, services, and supports. New York State has dedicated $250,000 to develop these resources and has already participated in 13 events across the state, collaborating with faith leaders to distribute more than 325 naloxone kits, 1400 Deterra drug disposal pouches, and 370 medication lock bags.
Governor Hochul said, “Faith leaders can have an enormous impact on the individuals in their congregations and the communities they serve. This new initiative gives them the knowledge they need to help individuals facing a substance use crisis and will help further support our statewide efforts to address addiction and keep New Yorkers safe and healthy.
OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “People in crisis often turn to those they trust, which for many of them may be a religious leader. This can happen long before they reach out for help by calling a hotline or going into a clinic. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, the GRACE initiative will support religious institutions with resources to direct people to help and ensure those in need can find services through those they trust most.”
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Addiction can tear apart families and stress our healthcare and emergency services, but getting individuals the help they need can ease that strain. I applaud Governor Hochul for recognizing the urgency of the opioid crisis and for her creation of the GRACE Initiative which shows her continued commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker has a pathway to recovery. Our religious institutions are trusted pillars in communities across New York and by giving them the resources and tools they need to connect people struggling with an opioid addiction, we are bringing support directly to those who need it the most. The Department of State and the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services is proud to be a part of this program.”
This new interagency collaboration engages faith-based organizations, in particular those serving communities of color, with education and other resources. As part of these efforts, OASAS and DOS are developing training materials to help faith leaders recognize the signs of substance use and addiction, reduce stigma, and help connect individuals to care.
The GRACE initiative builds on ongoing efforts to expand services in communities across the state, which include increased access to medication for addiction, support for transportation services to address transportation barriers, and efforts to educate people about addiction and where to find help. Communities of color continue to be disproportionately impacted by overdose deaths, and in many cases also face barriers to accessing services. Part of this initiative will help to better connect with these underserved communities.
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports oversees one of the nation’s largest systems of addiction services with approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery programs serving over 731,000 individuals per year. This includes the direct operation of 12 Addiction Treatment Centers where our doctors, nurses, and clinical staff provide inpatient and residential services to approximately 8,000 individuals per year.
New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
Find available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care on the NYS OASAS website.
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