by wpx_NYSJM | May 22, 2026 | Breaking News
Kratom in 2026: What CASACs Need to Know About Dependence, Withdrawal, Tolerance, and High-Potency Products Five years ago, most substance use counselors in New York barely heard clients mention kratom. Now it is everywhere. Gas stations. Vape shops. Convenience...
by wpx_NYSJM | May 13, 2026 | Breaking News
NYS Overdose Deaths Dropped 32% in 2024. Here Is What That Number Does Not Tell You. The headline is real. The full picture is more complicated. CASACs on the front lines need both. An estimated 4,567 New Yorkers died of a drug overdose in 2024, down from 6,688...
by wpx_NYSJM | May 3, 2026 | Breaking News
Maria Mendez (Founder) attended the SOMOS Conference in Albany on April 18, 2026. She had the opportunity to introduce the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals and to engage in meaningful conversations with the OASAS Commissioner, Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, and Senator...
by wpx_NYSJM | Mar 30, 2026 | Breaking News
A Los Angeles jury has delivered a verdict that could reshape how the U.S. talks about youth mental health and platform accountability. In the case covered by NPR, jurors found Meta and Google’s YouTube liable for harms tied to addictive design, awarding $6 million to...
by wpx_NYSJM | Feb 10, 2026 | Breaking News, CASAC Association News
Testimony Introducing the CASAC Credential New York State Mental Health Hearing Good afternoon, Chair, Senators, and members of the assembly. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is A. Maria Mendez, CASAC Adv. BS, Founder/CEO of the NYS Association of...
by wpx_NYSJM | Jan 15, 2026 | Breaking News
Act Now: Protect Health Coverage and Addiction Services Funding You do not need another health coverage or policy headline. You need a fast, clear action that protects real people. Health coverage is more than insurance. It is access to addiction treatment, mental...
