Mountainside Scholarship Provides Access to Addiction Treatment to Huntington Residents in Need

Published on December 16, 2019
Mountainside Canaan Aerial Shot

Huntington, NY – Drug overdose deaths involving opioids have steadily increased in Suffolk County – and the rest of the country – throughout the decade. According to the New York State Department of Health, in 2017 alone there were 616 overdose deaths caused by opioids in Suffolk County, which is 41 percent higher than the average in New York State. In an effort to stem this crisis and provide Huntington residents who are struggling with addiction the opportunity to receive needed care, Mountainside treatment center is offering one scholarship every month to its Huntington outpatient center.

While addiction treatment services are desperately needed, research suggests that only 20 percent of people with opioid addictions are receiving help. According to a 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 39 percent of respondents cited cost as the reason people did not seek treatment. The Mountainside scholarship can provide assistance to people who previously could not afford treatment services.

“The opioid crisis continues to take a toll on our community, and we want to make certain that as many of our neighbors as possible have the opportunity to become sober. And the only way this can be achieved is if they receive the care and support they need. This scholarship helps eliminate one of the biggest hurdles to receiving treatment – cost,” says Andrew Benevento, Program Manager of Outpatient Services at Mountainside Huntington.

“The services at Huntington Outpatient Center allow people to receive addiction treatment that integrates into their lives. We have day and evening hours, and because clients live at home, they can still fulfill their family and work obligations while receiving care,” he continues.

While opioid use is hitting the county the hardest, Mountainside provides treatment for all substance addictions, from alcohol to prescription drug use. As with all of its clients, treatment provided to the scholarship recipients will be tailored to the individual needs of each person; and can include group and individual counseling, and other therapies. Additionally, family members of addicted individuals can attend free family support groups that take place the first and third Wednesday of each month.

For additional information or to apply for a scholarship, call Mountainside Huntington at 631-456-4646.