April 7th, 2025
Will seek County Legislature approval to restore funding eliminated by federal cuts
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced today that he will submit an emergency funding request to the County Legislature to provide $405,000 in Opioid Settlement Funds to restore open access to addiction services at Delphi Rise. Delphi was notified last week that its grant funding had been rescinded as part of massive reductions from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and would not be reimbursed for services as of March 28.
“Nearly 2,000 people seek treatment for substance use disorders through the 24/7 services provided by Delphi Rise each year,” said County Executive Bello. “It is the only place in the County that will help individuals battling addiction after business hours, when they need it, regardless of their ability to pay. The thoughtless, irresponsible, and frankly dangerous actions of the federal government to eliminate these lifesaving services is shameful. I’m calling on the Monroe County Legislature to approve this emergency funding so our community does not lose this invaluable addiction services resource.”
In late March, the Trump administration rescinded over $12 billion in federal grants previously allocated to state and local health departments. Included in that $12 billion is $360 million in cuts to New York State health departments, addiction services and mental health programs. The Office of Addiction Services and Supports, which funds Delphi, will lose $40 million, jeopardizing addiction treatment, housing, and mobile medication access in Monroe County and across the state. Since then, County Executive Bello has been working with Congressman Joe Morelle, state and local officials, and community leaders to determine the specific reductions, the impact on County residents, and a plan forward to protect our families’ health and well-being.
“The opioid epidemic has touched all our lives—whether through personal experience or the stories of friends and loved ones,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “The Trump Administration’s cuts to addiction services would shutter life-saving resources families rely on during their time of need, demonstrating just how reckless and callous their policies truly are. I’m deeply grateful to County Executive Bello for his leadership and swift response to keep facilities like Delphi Rise open so those facing addiction aren’t left alone in their darkest hours.”
Delphi Rise has been providing Open Access services for eight years. Individuals can walk in when they’re ready, but many are connected through referrals from emergency departments, law enforcement, or crisis hotline teams. Eliminating Open Access wouldn’t just harm individuals living with substance use disorders — it would leave hospitals, police departments, and emergency responders without a critical partner in serving this vulnerable population.
“With substance use disorder, people seek help when they are ready, and if we are not available at that critical moment, the consequences for their recovery can be dire,” said Delphi Rise Executive Director Jennifer Cathy. “That’s why we are grateful to County Executive Bello for ensuring 24/7 access to care — so we can continue to offer a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment whenever someone takes that first courageous step toward change.”
County Executive Bello and Congressman Morelle warned that while this funding resolution solves one immediate, serious challenge, there are many more to come, and resources are limited.
“Neither New York State nor its counties will be able to close a $360 million gap,” said Bello. “It is going to take all of us, elected officials, business and non-profit leaders, and citizens to come together, stand up, and let the federal government know that we will not tolerate this attack on life-saving services for our most vulnerable residents.”
