Press Releases

Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced Horizon Health Services has been awarded federal funding totaling $716,885 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  The grant will support Horizon’s Substance Abuse-Free Education/Intervention & Referral (SAFER) Program targeted at serving adolescents and young adults ages 10 to 25.

“Young people today are struggling and many are at risk for substance abuse,” Congressman Kennedy said. “This federal funding provides critical resources to identify those in need and step in early to help. I applaud the work of Horizon Health Services to deliver high quality services, which will no doubt save and change lives.”

Brandy Vandermark-Murray, President of Horizon Corporations added, “We are grateful for this funding and the support of our Congressman Tim Kennedy.  With this funding, Horizon will be able to expand our outreach to adolescents and young adults who may be at risk for substance abuse.  Early identification of problematic drug or alcohol use is critical. We know that when early intervention and treatment are provided to adolescents and young adults, it decreases the risk of the disease of addiction from progressing.  By increasing skills for individuals and their families, we have the opportunity to improve their overall health and ultimately on a larger scale, impact overall public health. Horizon offers various levels of care for treatment for both substance use and mental health disorders. This grant will allow us to work directly with community partners to provide screenings in various settings and make timely referrals for services.”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Horizon plans to build on its licensed school-based clinician capacity to deliver Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) services to approximately 900 adolescents and young adults in Erie, Niagara, and Genesee Counties. To address health disparities, attention will be given to underserved, minority, and marginalized populations including LGBTQ+ youth.  Case management with wraparound support services, youth peer support, and a family liaison to assist with treatment decision-making and cultural/linguistic needs will be incorporated.

The program aims to increase screening for underage drinking, tobacco, opioid, and other substance use; improve timely access to treatment services; and ultimately reduce alcohol and substance abuse early before it leads to adult alcohol and drug use disorders. 

According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health released July 30, 2024, “4.5 million youth (ages 12 to 17) had a major depressive episode in the past year, of which nearly 1 in 5 also had a substance use disorder.”

Horizon Health Services is a non-profit providing services to individuals and families dealing with substance use and/or mental health disorders.  For more information visit: https://horizon-health.org/.

Individuals facing an urgent substance use crisis, mental health distress, or thoughts of suicide are encouraged to reach out to the national 988 hotline by calling 988, texting 988, or chatting online at 988lifeline.org

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