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Agency Testimony

Commissioner Martin on peer workforce and opioid settlement investment

New York City Council · Jun 5, 2026 · starts 2:31:02 · 48 sec

Martin details the $12M opioid settlement fund investment for peer workforce development, aiming to employ 500 more peers over four years. He describes the peer model as honoring lived experience in recovery.

Dr. Alistair Martin

That is perhaps best exemplified by our peer workforce programs.

Dr. Alistair Martin

Last month, the Momdani administration announced a $12 million investment of opioid settlement funds.

Dr. Alistair Martin

That money will go towards peer workforce development programs for substance use recovery, including things like internships,

Dr. Alistair Martin

scholarships, and direct hiring opportunities.

Dr. Alistair Martin

Over the next four years, this money will ultimately help employ 500 more peers across New York.

Dr. Alistair Martin

The peer model honors the fact that people in recovery have a story no one else can tell.

Dr. Alistair Martin

There is no substitute for lived experience.

Dr. Alistair Martin

The recent investment in this workforce will help equip 500 more people to retrace their steps on the road to recovery and bring someone back with them.