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Recent Posts
Medical Aid in Dying
On February 6, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul signed S.138/A.136 into law, authorizing medical aid in dying for terminally ill New Yorkers. Under the law, eligible patients may request and be prescribed medication that they voluntarily self-administer to bring about the end of their life.
Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom: How CHAMP Helps Families Access Mental Health and Substance Use Care
National School Counseling Week is a time to celebrate the role school counselors play in supporting students’ academic success, emotional well-being, and overall development. Every day, school counselors serve as trusted advocates for children and families navigating academic pressures, mental health challenges, and complex social needs. Their work often extends far beyond the classroom, especially when students and families are struggling to access mental health or substance use disorder services. At CHAMP, we recognize that school counselors are often the first to identify when a student or family needs additional support. That’s where we come in.
Another Voice: Nonprofit guardians provide services that the New York State system can’t
Guardianship under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law is one of New York’s most important protections for people who can no longer safely care for themselves because of illness, injury or disability. It is designed to be used as a last resort, and only when family are unable to do so. It is often the only option for individuals who have been subjected to elder financial exploitation.
The New York State Judicial Committee on Elder Justice Newsletter, October 2025
The goal of this newsletter is to raise awareness of elder justice issues in our courts and the community at large. It also serves to keep our committee members connected and provides the opportunity for us to shine a light on members of the committee and the important work they do.
General Information for Scam Victims
Scammers are getting smarter — and unfortunately, older adults are often their top targets. From phone calls to fake websites, these schemes can be convincing and costly. Here you can learn how to take action if you have been a victim of a scam.
Why Substance Use Awareness Month Matters for Older Adults
October is Substance Use Awareness Month—a time to reflect on the impact of substance use in our communities and to raise awareness about prevention, treatment, and support. While substance use is often associated with younger populations, it’s critical to recognize that older adults are increasingly affected and often go unnoticed.
World Mental Health Day 2025
Every year on October 10th, we observe World Mental Health Day to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for mental health as a human right. Each year a different theme is assigned. For 2025, the theme is “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
Social Security Administration: No Longer Issuing Paper Checks
The Social Security Administration is no longer going to be issuing paper checks to beneficiaries beginning September 30, 2025.
International Overdose Awareness Day: What it is and Why it Matters
Overdose doesn’t only affect young people-it also impacts older adults who may be prescribed medications, are using substances recreationally for non-medical purposes, and/or in isolation. In Erie County, adults aged 50 and older accounted for half of overdose deaths in 2024.
Updates on the 2020 Medicaid Changes Enacted in the 2020 NYS Budget by the Medicaid Redesign Team II (MRT-2)
After being on pause due to COVID relief law, changes made by the MRT-2 for the 2020 NYS Budget will take effect starting September 1, 2025. These changes impose three new “ADL Thresholds” that New York Independent Assessor Program (“NYIAP”) will consider in assessing enrollees in NYS Medicaid Personal Care, CDPAP, and MLTC plans.
Proposed Federal Cuts to Medicaid Harm Everyone
On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA). Currently with the U.S. Senate, the OBBBA, according to the Congressional Budget Office, would cause 16 million people to lose their insurance coverage: 10.9 million people would lose coverage directly because of OBBBA, and 5.1 million people would lose coverage due to inability to afford marketplace plans.
When the State Pays Late, Our Communities Pay the Price
Persistent delays in payment are undermining New York’s nonprofit sector and its ability to serve. That’s why we’re urging lawmakers to pass S.7001/A.7616, a bill that would reform New York’s Prompt Contracting Law.
What to Expect If You Fall Behind on Rent: Nonpayment Eviction
If you have fallen behind on rent, your landlord may move forward with a nonpayment eviction to recover their lost income, their property, or both. The eviction process can be stressful and intimidating for tenants. But it is important to understand that it is just that—a process—and in Erie County, you don’t have to go it alone.
Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) UPDATES
On April 14, 2025, The Department of Health launched a hotline to assist CDPAP participants with contacting PPL and/or their MCO/LDSS.
Changes to Social Security Administration Overpayments
As of March 27, the Social Security Administration will begin mailing notices about the new 100 percent withholding rate, rather than the recent adjustment of just 10 percent. The withholding rate change applies to new overpayments related to Social Security benefits.