About this Page
As required by Section 25.18 of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law, this page provides information regarding Opioid Settlement funds received by Saratoga County and how such funds are allocated by the County.
Allowable Expenditures
Pursuant to New York State Mental Hygiene Law Section 25.18 funds shall only be used for prevention, public education, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services related to substance use disorders and co-occurring mental illnesses as well as supportive, community-based, housing, and workforce programs for targeted populations.
Opioid Settlement Funds Revenues and Expenditures
The table below represents monies Saratoga County has been allocated in Direct Share opioid settlement funds from national and state litigation settlements administered under New York State’s Opioid Settlement Sharing Agreement. These funds are dedicated to supporting local initiatives that address the opioid crisis. This chart will be updated annually to reflect additional settlements or multi-year payments made to the County.
| County Direct Funds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Received | Expended |
| 2022 | $884,509.38 | $14,500.00 |
| 2023 | $368,633.23 | $280,940.79 |
| 2024 | $146,793.44 | $152,553.74 |
| 2025 | $584,889.89 | $115,001.64 |
| Total: | $1,984,825.94 | $562,996.17 |
As of November 1, 2025, these funds have been utilized as follows:
• Prevention efforts ($136,921.02)
• Treatment efforts ($118,771.32)
• Public Awareness ($307,303.83)
About Saratoga County’s Opioid Response Efforts
Saratoga County uses a multi-department approach to address the opioid crisis through prevention, education, treatment, response, and recovery efforts. Since 2022, these funds have been used for a variety of programs and initiatives, as described herein.
Family Support Navigator
Saratoga County Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, in partnership with the Prevention Council of Saratoga County, offers Family Support Navigator services to assist families who are struggling with addiction issues. These free services include introductions to community agencies, referrals to insurance providers, and assistance with navigating barriers to addiction recovery services. Learn more at the Prevention Council website.
Mass Spectrometer for Identifying Unknown Substances
When first responders or healthcare providers encounter a potentially harmful unknown substance, time is of the essence. The Mass Spectrometer (MS) can identify unknown and potentially harmful substances, quickly analyzing solids, powders, pills, liquids, and gases within minutes. When SCDOH identifies a harmful substance, results are shared with healthcare and mental health providers and facilities, first responders and law enforcement, community and faith-based organizations, local health departments in the region, NYSDOH, and the public.
Naloxbox Program
Inspired by the life-saving concept of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), the Naloxone Box serves as a public emergency intervention tool designed to house multiple, free, prepackaged doses of nasal naloxone spray to improve the capacity of bystanders to save the lives of those experiencing an opioid overdose. Saratoga County Department of Health (SCDOH) uses a data driven approach utilizing its Substance Use Surveillance System to identify locations for Naloxone Box placement throughout the County. Learn more on the SCDOH webpage.
Naloxone Training & Distribution
The Saratoga County Department of Health regularly holds Naloxone distribution events throughout the county. Participants are trained in how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer nasal Naloxone. Since 2023, more than 3,500 individuals have been trained to administer Naloxone and more than 13,000 Naloxone kits have been distributed. All Naloxone training events are listed on the countywide calendar.
School-Based Opioid and Substance Use Disorder Support Program
The school-based opioid and substance use disorder support program pairs School Resource Officers (SROs) with Certified Peer Recovery Advocates (CRPAs) to help students in recovery. The program leverages the knowledge and expertise of our SROs who are in our schools each day and provides students struggling with addiction with experienced CRPAs who can guide them in recovery. Read the press release.
School Speakers Series
Since 2023, the County has sponsored a speakers series focused on mental health and addiction for schools throughout Saratoga County. The powerful series brings nationally renowned presenters to share their personal stories of addiction and redemption. The presentations, aimed at prevention, educate our young residents about the dangers of drug use, foster empathy, and empower students to rethink addiction and mental health. Read the press releases: 2023, 2025.
Substance Use Surveillance Dashboard
This near real-time substance use surveillance dashboard provides healthcare, law enforcement, first responders, mental health, and community organizations with comprehensive data they need to provide effective strategies to mitigate the effects of the opioid epidemic in our communities. For residents, the dashboard offers mental health and substance use resources. View the dashboard. Read the press release.
