Drug overdose in New York City continues to be a very worrisome problem, which according to reports from the Big Apple Health Department has been increasing considerably in recent years. The most recent figures managed by the City indicate that Hispanics represent the highest number of deaths due to substance abuse, with 918 cases per year, followed by 858 blacks and 763 whites, with residents of the Bronx being the most affected, with a rate of death by overdose of 70.6 per 100,000 inhabitants.
The Department of Health recognizes that the most prominent inequality in overdose has to do with geographic patterns, inequalities in income, wealth, employment, education, and housing, which leaves low-income families and individuals with addictions in a vulnerable situation, who are sometimes unaware of the existence of support programs to deal with drug use.
And while cases of overdose and deaths increase, which in 2021 registered 2,668, more than 30% compared to the previous year, municipal and state authorities urge affected communities to seek help and access to support programs in fighting addictions, available around New York.
The Health Department revealed that those who need help with available addiction treatment, including crisis and detox care and inpatient care, can find it at 315 New York State Office of Addiction Support and Services (OASAS) sites. ). Last year a total of 71,661 New Yorkers were admitted to treatment programs, of which 35% were Hispanic.
In addition, there are 28 nursing care manager sites embedded in qualified health centers that engage and retain patients taking buprenorphine. There are also 14 emergency departments that offer buprenorphine initiation, 14 syringe service programs that provide harm reduction services, including overdose education, infectious disease screening, and referrals for further treatment and care.
“In 2022, in New York City they provided harm reduction services to approximately 25,000 people, 54% of whom identified as Hispanic,” said a spokesperson for the Big Apple Health Department, while urging to check out the OASAS website for resources on substance use treatment and services, as well as the HOPE line (1-877-846 7369) which can connect anyone, including the uninsured, to care medical, regardless of immigration status.
And in an effort to make more programs available to reach out to those struggling with addiction in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul announced an $8 million investment in overdose harm reduction strategies for vulnerable populations.
“The opioid crisis is not just a public health issue – it is a humanitarian crisis affecting every corner of the state,” said Governor Hochul. “This funding underscores our commitment to hold manufacturers and distributors accountable while ensuring affected communities have the resources and compassion to end this epidemic.”
Likewise, the president announced that New York will receive more than $2,000 million through conciliation agreements with opioid manufacturers, which among other things will be used in prevention, treatment, recovery, harm reduction and education efforts to face the epidemic. of opioids.
The commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, James McDonald, also joined the call to seek support in the midst of the fight against addictions and stressed that there are resources available.
“Opioid and other drug use disorder can be challenging chronic illnesses, but they are treatable and long-term recovery is possible. To combat the overdose epidemic, New York State has implemented a multifaceted strategy under the leadership of Governor Hochul,” the official said. “This funding is intended to increase access to harm reduction services, including medication to treat addiction, supportive counseling, and other preventative health care services.”
Chinazo Cunningham, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, highlighted the importance of investing in harm reduction plans and other supports throughout New York State, particularly for individuals and populations with large needs that may face barriers to accessing services.
“Harm reduction saves lives, and initiatives like this are vital to connecting people with the help and resources they need. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Governor and our partner agencies to ensure that all New Yorkers can access services, no matter where they live,” said the medical expert.
Ann Sullivan, commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health, said increasing funding will help New Yorkers in need, who are considered high-risk in underserved areas.
“These resources will allow us to fight the tragedy of the opioid crisis by expanding and strengthening culturally relevant treatment and harm reduction services,” said the official.
Mitchell Netburn, president of Samaritan Daytop Village, one of New York’s largest nonprofit human service agencies, during an event at the Richard Prus Wellness Center in the Bronx for International Overdose Awareness Day , highlighted the urgency of ending the overdose crisis, remembering those who have died of overdose without stigmatization, and recognizing the pain of their loved ones.
“The opioid and overdose crisis is sweeping the nation and the world, and we must continue to do everything we can to continue to save lives and provide necessary medical care, support and resources to those affected. There is healing and hope, as we demonstrate daily here at the Richard Pruss Wellness Center, and at the many facilities in our network,” Netburn said.
State Senator Luis Sepúlveda assured that the first step to face the crisis of additions is to raise awareness to find effective solutions.
“We need everyone to clearly understand that the overdose crisis is real and serious, and is causing rampant death and suffering,” said the Bronx politician. “We will continue to ensure that much-needed funding and resources to alleviate and end the opioid and overdose crisis remain a priority at all levels.”
Diana Ayala, vice president of the Municipal Council, also urged seeking support in the available programs, in order to put an end to overdoses, which have claimed thousands of lives in recent years in the Big Apple.
“Let us remember those we have lost, cherish those who have survived, and unite in our determination to prevent the pain of overdose. On International Overdose Awareness Day, we come together to break the stigma, offer support and advocate for effective solutions,” said the legislator.
Vanessa Gibson, president of the Bronx borough, the most affected by overdose deaths in the city, mentioned the importance of working together to combat the opioid epidemic.
“Together we can continue to raise awareness about the plight of drug overdoses, so lives are not lost and recovery, treatment and other essential services are accessible,” Gibson said.
State Senator Nathalia Fernández called on state, local and federal governments to allocate more resources in the fight against substance abuse and the overdose crisis.
“Overdose Awareness Day aims to help combat the stigma surrounding drug-related deaths and recognize the grief felt by those who have lost someone as a result of an overdose. But we cannot simply stay in the conscience”, said the Hispanic politician. “We must mobilize the necessary resources to combat this epidemic. We need to increase the funding budget to support initiatives to prevent overdoses, expand treatment options, and provide support for individuals and families affected by addiction. Investment in research, treatment programs and community organizations is crucial to our success.”
Dominic Dupont, who lost his uncle to an overdose, said a vital part of fighting substance abuse is addressing the issue head-on and educating.
“My uncle was an incredible human being. Following his shocking death, I felt a responsibility to speak out about the dangers of opioids and overdoses, so that no one, not you, or any loved one, has to die an untimely death like him, and no other family has to experience irreparable loss. that we have suffered”, concluded the activist.
Help available against addictions in numbers
- 315 addiction treatment sites exist in New York
- 71,661 New Yorkers were admitted to treatment programs
- 35% of the annual income to these places are Hispanic
- 2,668 overdose deaths were recorded in the Big Apple in 2021
- 918 Latinos die in a year from overdose
- The Bronx has the highest overdose death rate in the Big Apple
- 28 nursing care manager sites integrated into qualified health centers that support there are in the city
- 14 emergency departments offering buprenorphine initiation
- 14 syringe service programs providing harm reduction services
- 25,000 people received harm reduction programs in 2022
- 54% of them are Latino
- $8 million in overdose harm reduction strategies for vulnerable populations the Governor announced this week
- An additional $2 billion through settlement agreements with opioid manufacturers will also be used
Where to get help fighting addiction in NY
- For available addiction treatment, including crisis and detox care and inpatient care, visit the Office of Addiction Support and Services (OASAS) website at this link
- You can also visit the agency’s website.
- People with addictions or family members can call the state’s 24/7 toll-free HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369
- You can also text HOPENY (Code 467369)