Controversial advertising campaign in NYC.
–
“It is inconceivable that the mayor of New York and the (NYC) Department of Health are empowering people to abuse drugs” during a “national opioid crisis,” criticized Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.
Since the recent launch of a controversial campaign on public transportation in NYC with “tips” to consume fentanyl “safely”, some local politicians and authorities in Florida have spoken out against it, calling it counterproductive and irresponsible.
Controversial New York City Health Department ad campaign tells drug addicts not to be ashamed of their drug habits. New York Post. Critics say that’s a deadly and reckless message.
“I am amazed at how far New York City leaders have gone off the rails. Do NOT follow their unwise advice.”
Ashley Moody, Attorney General of the State of Florida
Prosecutor Moody used a copy of one of the advertisements published in the New York Subway to criticizing them on Twitter last week. “There is no ‘safe’ way to abuse fentanyl and these ads do not ’empower’ users; They could kill them.” wrote. “I am amazed at how far New York City leaders have gone off the rails. Do NOT follow their unwise advice.”
Fentanyl was the leading cause of death among Americans ages 18 to 45 in 2020, according to an analysis of the organization “Families Against Fentanyl” (FAF).
Moody also criticized Mayor Adams for continuing the “Let’s Talk About Fentanyl” public awareness campaign first launched by his predecessor Bill de Blasio. “Resources for those struggling should be provided by trained medical professionals, not by politicians and organizations providing dangerous and life-threatening tips”said the prosecutor in statements after the New York Post.
Previously the Florida Department of Health had also criticized its New York counterpart, in a message on Twitter on May 27.
The original ad campaign initially ran with little reaction for about a month, from December 13 to January 16. Later was re-released on May 9 with wider distribution which this time included subway trains, bus stops, newspapers, digital media and social networks.
The city admitted it was spending $750,000 on the second wave of ads, But he said Friday that he could not immediately provide full campaign costs.
Joseph Borelli, Republican Minority Leader on the City Council, wants answers. “Every dollar spent on these silly ads could have been spent on another recovery center bed. [de adicción a las drogas] or another counseling session at the city Health Department,” he said.
NYC Health Department spokesman Patrick Gallahue defended the new campaign, saying it reflects the “harm reduction” approach taken in San Francisco, California, alleging that “Removing stigma is a fundamental part of public health.”
In one of the most dramatic recent cases in New York involving fentanyl use, An infant granddaughter of celebrated author Paul Auster has died after ingesting enough of the drug to “render an adult unconscious,” denounced a prosecutor in Brooklyn. The girl’s father also died, after being charged with the murder.
