New York Metropolis’s overdose prevention facilities are already saving lives

At the least 59 overdoses have been prevented within the first three weeks that two overdose prevention facilities have been open in New York Metropolis, town’s well being division stated Tuesday.

Throughout that point, there have been greater than 2,000 visits to the facilities which are operated by OnPoint NYC and are the primary publicly acknowledged overdose prevention websites to open in the USA. The metropolis first introduced this system on Dec. 1.

The facilities—often known as secure injection websites—are situated in Washington Heights and East Harlem.

“These information are promising and present how overdose prevention facilities will scale back unnecessary struggling and avoidable loss of life,” Metropolis Well being Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi stated in an company information launch. “The easy reality is that overdose prevention facilities save lives—the lives of our neighbors, household and family members. Thanks to OnPoint NYC for launching this very important new service to maintain New Yorkers wholesome.”

The facilities present supervised, clear areas for individuals who use medication to take action safely, and may join them with providers comparable to hurt discount, medical care, psychological well being remedy, drug remedy and social helps.

“We’re assembly individuals who use medication the place they’re of their life journey, to assist them in constructing their self-worth,” stated Sam Rivera, govt director of OnPoint NYC.

“The early information demonstrates the [centers] are reaching precisely who they’re meant for, they usually’re already working. We’re brave sufficient to work with individuals who use medication at their most susceptible state whereas they’re actively utilizing medication, with the idea and proof that they will come out of that when they’re prepared. We’re honored to be doing this vital work and stay up for extra [overdose prevention centers] opening up across the nation quickly,” Rivera added.

There have been greater than 90,000 overdose deaths in the USA in 2020, in response to the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. Greater than 2,000 of these deaths have been in New York Metropolis, in response to metropolis officers.

Because the U.S. opioid disaster has worsened in recent times, cities and states nationwide have pushed for overdose prevention websites.

Secure injection website applications in Australia, Europe and Canada have already lowered drug overdose deaths in these areas.

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