NYC Overdose Deaths Drop by 20%

New data reveals a significant decrease in overdose deaths in New York State. Experts attribute this positive trend to a reduction in fatal fentanyl overdoses. The decline is not only seen in New York, but across the nation.

Key Factors Contributing to the Decline:

• Effective Treatment: Public health initiatives focusing on addiction treatment are cited as a major factor.
• Fentanyl Test Strips: The increased availability of test strips helps individuals identify fentanyl in drugs, allowing for safer consumption choices.
• Naloxone (Narcan): Wider access to and use of the overdose antidote Naloxone is saving lives.

While progress is being made, experts emphasize the need for continued efforts to ensure even greater access to treatment and harm reduction tools. They advocate for making Naloxone more readily available to the public.

Benefit Concert for Addiction Treatment

Rich Pagano, a musician who lost his son Nic to an accidental overdose, is hosting a benefit concert to raise funds for the Nic Pagano LGBTQIA+ Scholarship Fund. This fund, in collaboration with the Release Recovery Foundation, provides addiction treatment for those in need, reflecting Nic's desire to help others.

The concert will feature performances by the cast of "Dead Outlaw" and actor Hank Azaria. The event showcases the power of community support in addressing the opioid crisis.