Farrell Greenwald Brenner reports for the Times Union that Ulster and Dutchess counties are getting two new opioid treatment centers. The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports announced last week that it was awarding two grants $200,000 to the Lexington Center to open the facilities. The need is great in the Hudson Valley, as the New York State Department of Health reports that between July and September of 2021, the overdose death rates in Ulster and Sullivan counties were more than double that of the rest of the state. And currently, HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston is the only provider of methadone, to treat opioid addiction, in Ulster County and there are not any in Sullivan County. And there is a waiting list currently in Ulster County to get treatment. “When somebody is ready and they want to receive treatment or help for the disorder, it is always best for immediate engagement,” said Kathleen Carney, the Lexington Center’s Director of Rockland County Treatment Programs. “If there’s a delay, sometimes that could be a high-risk time for a client.” The new Ulster County facility may be open in 2023. “Hopefully by next year we won't have any waitlist at all,” said Ulster County Department of Mental Health Commissioner Tara McDonald. a href="https://www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley/news/article/State-will-fund-two-new-opioid-treatment-centers-17193262.php">Read more about this story in the Times Union.