Published on September 30, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.
The opioid crisis continues to wreak havoc in the United States. In New York, the number of overdoses recorded during the year is now reaching new heights, according to the latest data published by the city’s health department.
In 2022, 3,026 New Yorkers died after overdosing on a psychotropic substance, an increase of 12% compared to 2021. This is the highest figure since 2000, when New York began counting these deaths.
And this “epidemic” is progressing rapidly. In 2019, 1,497 overdose deaths were recorded in the city, half as many as in 2022, and only 638 in 2000.
Populations more exposed
Fentanyl, originally created to relieve cancer patients, is particularly singled out. This inexpensive synthetic drug was detected in 81% of overdose cases. Colorless and odorless, this product is fifty times more lethal than heroin. It would also be between 50 and 100 times more powerful than morphine, recalls “ABC News”.
African-Americans and Latin-Americans are particularly affected. These populations are experiencing the highest rates of overdose deaths, but also the largest increases in cases compared to 2021.
A new increase to be expected
And the situation is not expected to be reversed in 2023. The CDC, which forms the country’s main federal agency for protecting public health, estimates that 28 states – including New York – should, this year, record a increase in overdose deaths.
The city is trying, as best it can, to fight against this scourge. The mayor, Eric Adams, aims to reduce the number of overdoses by 15% by 2025, reports “ABC News”.
Prevention kits
To achieve this, New York inaugurated its first public health vending machine, in which naxolone is made available, a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The opening hours of two overdose prevention centers have also been extended. Inaugurated in 2021, these have already saved nearly 1,000 lives.
Sterile syringes and naxolone kits are also distributed by the city. The New York Health Department is finally recommending that residents carry naloxone and learn how to use it. “This crisis kills a New Yorker every three hours and affects every individual and family in our city and our country,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan in a statement. “No one is spared, even if you think otherwise. »
2023-09-30 10:00:22
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