Drug overdose fatalities surged during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York State, with opioid-related deaths increasing by 68% to nearly 5,000 individuals from 2019 to 2021, according to an analysis released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. The surge was largely due to a sharp increase in deaths from opioids related to illicit fentanyl and similar synthetic opioids. Overdose deaths statewide from opioids and all drugs (5,841) in 2021 surpassed the previous 2017 peak by more than 1,700 fatalities.
According to State Comptroller DiNapoli, “The data shows our battle against drug overdose deaths is far from over. State leaders must ensure an ongoing commitment of public resources and strategies, including new funding from legal settlements, and innovative, evidence-based solutions for the fight against this deadly epidemic to be effective.”
Among the guests joining the State Comptroller was Dr. Jeff Reynolds, President and CEO of Family and Children’s Association, THRIVE East End Program Manager Samantha Morales, State Senator Anna Kaplan, Senator John Brooks and Assemblywoman Judy Griffin. Watch the video to hear Samantha’s powerful testimonial of her recovery from a near-fatal overdose, how she “slowly got her life back together” and how her employment at THRIVE has been a “life-changing experience.”
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