While the Buffalo Common Council, neighborhood residents, and now Erie County have come out against plans for a methadone clinic on Virginia Street, Hispanics United of Buffalo has declared it intends to move forward, community be damned. Statement below.
The leadership of Hispanics United of Buffalo (HUB) and Acacia Network, Inc. wish to correct the record with regard to its substance abuse counseling and treatment facility at 254 Virginia Street in Buffalo.
Contrary to several recent reports, HUB, an affiliate of Acacia Network, has acted as a good neighbor and adhered fully to the laws requiring the applications, notifications, meetings and assurances with regard to the facility and its programs, and in good faith has also gone far beyond what was legally mandated. This includes engaging the community every step of the way beginning in December 2012 through the present.
Specifically, HUB held several community meetings dating to 2012 with regard to its plans for a substance abuse treatment program at 254 Virginia Street and has actively sought and incorporated community feedback into its planning process.
Initially, HUB held a December 2012 community meeting at D’Youville College organized by the John R. Oishei Foundation to share the resurgence of HUB as an integral community service provider including their affiliation with Acacia Network. Acacia Network, a Puerto Rican founded not for profit established 45 years ago, provides primary and behavioral health care, housing and economic development. This initial meeting included a total of 30 West Side providers, businesses and residents, as well as representatives at the city, county and state levels. Acacia Network leaders, including CEO Raul Russi, detailed the organization’s involvement in supporting HUB’s mission by providing extensive experience, proven leadership, and financial stability. A review of all services including the application for medically-supervised substance abuse treatment services and methadone treatment services was presented at this meeting
Most recently, HUB met with a community group led by Rev. Darius G. Pridgen, and a neighborhood group (VETTE Block Club) which were well attended and offered opportunity for residents to share concerns
HUB has facilitated more than 65 meetings with a diverse group of community members representing local businesses, neighbors, human service providers, and faith-based organizations, Erie County service providers, and County, State and other local elected officials. These meetings were held to ensure notification, engage in dialogue and respond to recommendations. HUB has and will continue to respond to community feedback. Some recent changes include adding security cameras to the exterior of the building and as well as additional security guards.
HUB and Acacia Network received written confirmation from the County and State government on October 16, 2013 to proceed with its application based on a community needs assessment and its ability to deliver high quality services that ensure public safety.
In light of the recent national heroin outbreak which has heavily affected Buffalo, the community recognizes the need for a treatment facility on the West Side. However, it has not responded with a viable solution. HUB offers a needed solution which, aside from a very vocal few, has full support of the larger West Side community, as well as the city, county and state. Furthermore, HUB is well-positioned to successfully treat the individuals and families who desire recovery, wellness and a better life for themselves, their families, and community.
• HUB has a long history of service to the community. Founded in 1986 to address the human service needs of the Western New York region’s Hispanic and Latino community, it soon became the largest nonprofit service provider on Buffalo’s West Side. HUB’s Executive Director Eugenio Russi is heavily invested in the community, he grew up on the West Side and has lived in the neighborhood of HUB’s headquarters at 254 Virginia Street. He has more than 25 years experience in the corrections field, most recently as Regional Director for the NYS Division of Parole bringing a public safety perspective.
• HUB is fortunate to have full access to Acacia Network’s expert management, clinical and financial resources to ensure success. Acacia Network operates over 25 substance abuse and mental health programs including 10 years experience in operating a successful medically-supervised outpatient methadone services program in the South Bronx, NY. It is pertinent to note that the methadone program serving 550 men and women is located in a heavy residential neighborhood and co-located with a daycare program serving 125 preschoolers, and a primary healthcare community center. This program is well respected, and there have been no reported incidents that have jeopardized anyone’s safety.
• Raul Russi serves as CEO of Acacia Network. He grew up in Buffalo where many of his family still live. Mr. Russi, a decorated police officer injured in the line of duty was the lead police officer to successfully fight for cleaning up the West Side of the drug scourge in the 1980s. He has served as the superintendent of the Erie County Holding Center, chairman of the New York State Parole Board, and Commissioner of the New York City Department of Probation.
Get Connected: Hispanics United: 716.856.7110