ALBANY, N.Y. (September 12, 2019) – 91 Americans die each day from opioid abuse. That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which says opioid-related deaths now exceed gun violence, house fires, and drowning deaths combined.
To combat the crisis, CDPHP The Foundation is teaming up with Addictions Care Center of Albany, Inc. (ACCA) to expand school-based prevention programs in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Warren, and Washington Counties.
“The opioid epidemic hits close to home for so many in the Capital Region, including our own members, 506 of whom had a documented opioid overdose last year. As a health plan, employer, and community partner, we knew we needed to take a lead role tackling the crisis.” said Dr. John D. Bennett, President and CEO, CDPHP.
“We believe that the disease of addiction is treatable and preventable. Equipping students early with prevention skills is critical in overcoming this epidemic. We are grateful to have CDPHP Foundation as a partner. The Foundation’s support enables ACCA to work directly with the Averill Park School District and reach more children at this critical time.” said Keith Stack, Executive Director, ACCA.
ACCA’s award-winning An Apple a Day school-based program uses age-appropriate learning techniques to build self-esteem and develop healthy habits in children. The program begins in Kindergarten and is delivered each year for eight weeks, through the fourth grade.
“The opioid epidemic has literally touched everyone. I sincerely believe that the only way we will get out of this is through education. I commend CDPHP The Foundation for their ongoing efforts to help the community, and we are proud to partner with them to help improve and change lives.” said Albany County Craig D. Apple, Sr.
The support of CDPHP The Foundation will allow ACCA to expand programming into several area school districts, including Averill Park, which has been hard hit by the crisis.
“At the Averill Park Central School District, we believe that it is our job to not only educate our student body about fundamental education skills, but also about real-world issues. Partnering with CDPHP and ACCA on their school-based prevention program will go a long way in stemming the tide of opioid use in future generations of the Averill Park community.” said Dr. James Franchini, Superintendent, Averill Park School District.
In 2017, CDPHP created an opioid task force to curb the number of opioids prescribed in the community. Since then, the health plan saw a 15 percent decrease in the use of opioids, and a 66 percent increase in the use of alternative agents to treat pain.
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About CDPHP® The Foundation
The mission of CDPHP The Foundation is to support and promote health, wellness, education, and cultural vibrancy in our community through philanthropy and service. We accomplish this mission through fundraising, volunteerism, community events and more. CDPHP The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of CDPHP, a not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 24 counties throughout New York.