Addressing the Opioid Crisis
About
National violence and the opioid epidemic continue to claim lives and ravage communities across the U.S., and, unfortunately, neighborhoods are bearing the brunt of this plague in Rochester. People from outside of the community are traveling to parts of the city to buy and use opioids as well as commit crimes – and the residents and businesses are suffering the consequences.
The City of Rochester has been actively working with community leaders and outside agencies to reverse these trends. The time has come to adopt an “all-hands-on-deck” approach and muster the collective wisdom of our community to develop a comprehensive and sustainable approach to this problem.
We know that with the complex reality of violence, we must build on and grow our existing efforts by allocating additional resources in a comprehensive, data-driven and community-involved way. It will further enhance collaboration, help create a long-term strategy, and most importantly, bring needed relief to the residents of this neighborhood.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Youth Forum
In collaboration with RCSD, Teen Empowerment, The Center for Youth, My Brother's Keeper, In Control and Planned Parenthood.
Youth (ages 12-21) and parents or guardians are invited to an inaugural forum on substance abuse and mental health to share their perspectives, questions, concerns, and hopes for our community with other youth and learn about different drugs and options for treatment. Lunch will be provided.
Date & Time: Saturday, April 12th at 11:00am-3:00pm.
Location: School of the Arts, 45 Prince St, Rochester, NY 14607.
Funding
Admininstration
- Administered by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
- Annual compensation for 17 years
- Annual reporting every March for the previous year
Funds
- City of Rochester (Five Large Cities): $3,880,771 (FY 23-25)
Monroe County opioid overdose dashboard
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Monroe County opioid dashboard
Neighborhood Ambassador Programs
The City of Rochester’s Neighborhood Ambassador Program (NAP) is a community-driven initiative designed to address the opioid crisis while fostering safer, cleaner, and more connected neighborhoods. Funded through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) opioid compensation funds, this one-year pilot program collaborates with local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to engage residents across the city’s four quadrants.
Through this program, residents are recruited as Neighborhood Ambassadors and trained and supported to serve as vital links between the community and the City. Ambassadors work on relationship building, resource referrals, anti-litter efforts, and opioid crisis interventions, including distributing naloxone (Narcan) kits. Each CBO facilitates public education on drug disposal, emergency response, and overdose prevention, while also providing wraparound services to ambassadors, including job training and health checkups.
The program operates in four target areas — North Clinton Avenue, Jefferson Avenue, Lyell Avenue, and Monroe Avenue — through partnerships with trusted local organizations. This initiative exemplifies the City’s commitment to empowering residents, promoting public health, and enhancing the quality of life for all Rochesterians.
NAP testimonials
Fred Barton
Jefferson Avenue Area, Barrakah Muslim Charity
The City of Rochester Neighborhood Ambassador Program has given me the opportunity to be an example, as well have an impact on our community. Being an individual that has grew up in Rochester for my entire life, it deeply saddens my heart to witness how opioids are ravishing a once proud diverse community. Myself and individuals in this community are suffering deeply from opioids and lack of resources. I have personally dealt with having my own struggles with taking painkillers that contain opioids, and so I am able to truly understand the need for this program.
Being able to be a part of this program has been extremely rewarding, as well as invigorating for me. It all allows me to provide life-saving and valuable information to our community, which has a desperate need for it. It has also supported me in personal goals such as strengthening family connections, pursuing employment opportunities, and accessing health resources. I’m very grateful to be a part of such a great program and I am in hopes it continues to grow throughout neighborhoods our city!
Local resources
| Organization Name | Organization Address | Organization Phone Number |
| Baden Street Settlement of Rochester - Dr. George C. Simmons Counseling & Support Center | 585 Joseph Ave., Rochester, NY 14621 | 585-325-4910 ext 1200 |
| Delphi Drug & Alcohol Council | 72 Hinchey Rd., Rochester, NY 14624 | 585-467-2230 |
| Father Tracy Health & Wellness Center | 821 N Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14605 | 585-563-7008 |
| Huther Doyle | 360 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14604 | 585-325-5100 |
| Monroe County Recovery Support Navigator | 175 Winton Rd. N Rochester, NY 14610 | Family Support/After Hours Warm Line: 1-855-778-1200 Peer Support: 1-855-778-1300 |
| National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence - Rochester Area | 1931 Buffalo Rd, Rochester, NY 14624 | (585) 719-3481 |
| Rochester Regional Health Chemical Dependency Clinic Greece | 1565 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626 | 585-922-9900 |
| Trillium Health | 259 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14607 | 585-545-7200 |
| UR Medicine - Strong Recovery/Addiction Services | 2613 W Henrietta Rd Suites C & D, Rochester, NY 14623 | 585-275-3161 |
820 Programs (residential treatment service) | ||
| Catholic Family Charities: Restart Substance Abuse | 55 Troup St, Rochester, NY 14608 | 585-546-7220 |
| Pathways of Helio Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Center | 1850 Brighton Henrietta Town Line Rd, Rochester, NY 14623 | 585-287-5622 |
Detox Facilities | ||
| Conifer Park Outpatient Addiction Treatment Center - Rochester | 556 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 | 585-442-8422 |
| Pathways of Helio Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Center | 1850 Brighton Henrietta Town Line Rd, Rochester, NY 14623 | 585-287-5622 |
| Rochester Regional Health Chemical Dependency Clinic Greece | 1565 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626 | 585-922-9900 |
| Villa of Hope - Gregory E. Polisseni Living Hope Treatment Center | 3300 Dewey Ave, Rochester, NY 14616 | 585-295-6916 |
Inpatient Facilities | ||
| Conifer Park Outpatient Addiction Treatment Center - Rochester | 556 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 | 585-442-8422 |
| John L. Norris Addiction Treatment Center | 1742-1770 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 | 585-461-0410 |
| Pathways of Helio Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Center | 1850 Brighton Henrietta Town Line Rd, Rochester, NY 14623 | 585-287-5622 |
| Rochester Regional Health Chemical Dependency Clinic Greece | 1565 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626 | 585-922-9900 |
| Villa of Hope - Gregory E. Polisseni Living Hope Treatment Center | 3300 Dewey Ave, Rochester, NY 14616 | 585-295-6916 |