The Albany Times Union recently featured a ‘sponsored story‘ (essentially an advertisement) by Fusion Recovery, a company planning to establish an Outpatient Treatment Program (OTP) in our village. The piece highlights Fusion Recovery’s integrated approach to treating addiction. While their proposed strategy may indeed be commendable, there are several crucial issues we, as community members, need to be aware of and address.
Fusion Recovery outlines their intended services, including a full continuum of clinical and medical care such as outpatient detox and medication-assisted treatment. However, it is currently unclear whether Fusion Recovery has obtained the necessary OTP certification from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) to provide these services. Certification from OASAS ensures that a facility offering such services adheres to state standards and employs approved treatment methods.
Moreover, we must consider the zoning regulations within our community. The location proposed for the Fusion Recovery OTP does not appear to be in compliance with our existing zoning laws. We must ensure that any new facility or program respects and adheres to these regulations to maintain the character and safety of our village.
So, what’s next for us as a community? It’s time to seek clarity. I encourage each of you to contact OASAS and the Albany County Department of Health to inquire about Fusion Recovery’s certification status. Furthermore, it’s important to convey our community’s stance clearly. When reaching out, voice your concern and make it clear that an OTP is not welcomed in our community due to a multitude of valid reasons, including its potential disruptions to our Village and local zoning law considerations.
Beyond this, we also need to scrutinize the certification process itself. Did OASAS adequately fulfill all certification requirements, particularly the need for community support?
Supporting the Mayor and the Village Board is also crucial at this juncture, expressing our backing for their efforts to resist Fusion Recovery’s relentless attempts to institute an OTP in a community that neither desires or needs it.
Here are the relevant contacts:
OASAS: tracey.collins@oasas.ny.gov, oasas.sm.certification@oasas.ny.gov, legal@oasas.ny.gov
Albany County Dept of Health: stephen.giordano@albanycountyny.gov
Mayor of Menands: marshb@villageofmenands.com
As you voice your inquiries and concerns, please maintain a respectful tone. While recognizing the need for addiction services, we must also demand transparency, proper certification, and compliance with our local zoning laws.
Together, we can ensure that all changes within our community are congruent with our shared vision of a safe and thriving Menands.