Mariah McGough, Author at VOCAL-NY

City Limits: New York’s Approach to Ending HIV/AIDS Must Center Harm Reduction

New York once led the nation in innovative and effective solutions to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and yet our city and state leaders have failed to make these spaces a reality for our communities. It’s time that changes. On World AIDS Day, we urge Governor Hochul and Mayor-elect Adams to recognize the role harm reduction can play in ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

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New York Times: Nation’s First Supervised Drug-Injection Sites Open in New York

In the News / By Mariah McGough

Proponents of supervised injection sites argue that the facilities will not only prevent overdose deaths but can actually stem the problem of public drug use that often leaves a trail of used syringes on the street and in parks.

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After Historic Year of Surging Overdoses, New York City Makes History by Opening the First Overdose Prevention Centers in the Country

Press Statements / By Mariah McGough

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, November 30, 2021 Contact: Jasmine Budnella, jasmine@vocal-ny.org, 720-480-5262 After Historic Year of Surging Overdoses, New York City Makes History by Opening the First Overdose Prevention Centers in the Country NEW YORK — In the wake of the deadliest surge and highest overdose deaths in history, Mayor de Blasio announces New York

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VOCAL-NY Responds to the Resignation of Steve Banks, NYC Social Services Commissioner

Press Statements / By Mariah McGough

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, November 23, 2021 CONTACT Joe Loonam, Joseph@vocal-ny.org, 347-409-4650 VOCAL-NY RESPONDS TO THE RESIGNATION OF STEVE BANKS, NYC SOCIAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER NEW YORK — In response to the resignation of Steve Banks, VOCAL-NY released the following statement attributable to Joe Loonam, Housing Campaigns Coordinator: “Steve Banks has shaped the policies around homelessness

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VOCAL-NY Slams NY Parole Officers for Intimidation and Escalation at Rally in Rochester

Press Statements / By Mariah McGough

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, November 23, 2021 CONTACT Mariah McGough, Mariah@vocal-ny.org VOCAL-NY SLAMS NY PAROLE OFFICERS FOR INTIMIDATION AND ESCALATION AT RALLY IN ROCHESTER ROCHESTER, N.Y. — On Monday parole officers with Public Employees Federation Division 236 physically assaulted an organizer with VOCAL-NY after being challenged for supporting mass incarceration and specifically the repeal of

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News 10: Local DA says bail reform issues persist, while advocates caution against rollbacks

In the News / By Mariah McGough

Some leaders in law enforcement and politics remain concerned for public safety and hope for changes to New York’s bail reform laws next session. Advocates for bail reform fear rollbacks will halt their intended progress.

D’Juan Collins, a Manhattan resident and member of VOCAL-NY, advocates for criminal justice reforms ever since being charged with drug possession in 2007, before the state’s new bail laws existed.

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City news: Activists call for NY state to fund affordable housing at Hotel Cadillac

In the News / By Mariah McGough

New York Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams , VOCAL-NY, House of Mercy, and other local activists called for support for HONDA and affordable housing across the state Wednesday, October 13, in front of the the Cadillac Hotel in Downtown Rochester.

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Times Union: Hochul signs bills to address growing overdose crisis, expand treatment into jails, prisons

In the News / By Mariah McGough

VOCAL-NY, a nonprofit that advocates for an end to punitive drug policies, has fought for the bill’s passage for years. Its users union represents people who use drugs and are impacted by those policies.

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Victory for Overdose Prevention: After Years of Fighting, VOCAL-NY Celebrates Gov. Hochul Signing Bills to Expand Access of Lifesaving Treatment to Jails & Prisons and Decriminalize Syringes

Press Statements / By Mariah McGough

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, October 7, 2021 CONTACT Jasmine Budnella, Jasmine@vocal-ny.org Mariah McGough, Mariah@vocal-ny.org VICTORY FOR OVERDOSE PREVENTION: AFTER YEARS OF FIGHTING, VOCAL-NY CELEBRATES GOV. HOCHUL SIGNING BILLS TO EXPAND ACCESS OF LIFESAVING TREATMENT TO JAILS & PRISONS AND DECRIMINALIZE SYRINGES Signings are Step Towards Reversing the Negligence of the Cuomo Administration on the Overdose

Victory for Overdose Prevention: After Years of Fighting, VOCAL-NY Celebrates Gov. Hochul Signing Bills to Expand Access of Lifesaving Treatment to Jails & Prisons and Decriminalize Syringes Read More »

VOCAL-NY Applauds New Funding for Harm Reduction Services From Opioid Settlement Fund

Press Statements / By Mariah McGough

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, October 5, 2021 CONTACT Jasmine Budnella, jasmine@vocal-ny.org Mariah McGough, mariah@vocal-ny.org VOCAL-NY APPLAUDS NEW FUNDING FOR HARM REDUCTION SERVICES FROM OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUND Attorney General Letitia James’ Held a Press Conference Today in Albany as a Part of her HealNY Tour ALBANY, N.Y. — Today, VOCAL-NY leaders stood alongside Attorney General Letitia

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