The Macy’s of Social Services. That’s how Acacia Network describes itself. That’s because the nonprofit is a leading integrated care organization focusing on housing, health, economic development, social services and cultural revitalization. It’s also the largest Latino-founded and led nonprofit in New York.
Lymaris Albors, the first woman at the helm as CEO, was on “Wellness Monday” this week.
Acacia Network has two new programs they’re rolling out. The first is mobile methadone vans that will provide assistance to those who need it, particularly those who are using or addicted to drugs.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, methadone is used to decrease or stop opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone has been used for decades to get people the help they need.
The other program is an intensive crisis stabilization center to address mental health and substance abuse. Gov. Hochul announced this just a few weeks ago.
Albors says this is the first of its kind in the city. Instead of going to the emergency room, someone can go to this new center and receive care to get stabilized.
The hope is to provide services right when someone needs it, instead of them having to wait.