Nick Reisman is reporting for Spectrum News that New York state is designating millions of dollars to provide transportation for people to addiction treatment services in underserved areas, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office on said August 30. In New York City, the funds will create prevention coalitions to aid vulnerable and isolated people, Hochul said. The transportation funding will target areas of upstate New York, including western New York and the Finger Lakes, to increase transportation options. Hochul said, "This funding will help better engage vulnerable communities in New York City while providing transportation to individuals who would otherwise be unable to access treatment in Western New York and the Finger Lakes — supporting our nation's leading addiction treatment services." The state is spending $2.3 million to boost addiction treatment efforts amid a sharp rise in overdose deaths statewide, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. State health officials this week warned of a rise in overdoses in parts of central New York, including Oneida County. Earlier this summer, state health officials required pharmacies to carry naloxone, a drug used to counter the effects of an overdose. Read the full story at spectrumlocalnews [dot] com.