Opioid deaths are down in Staten Island, but up across New York City.
Recently released health department numbers show more than one person a day in New York City overdoses on an opioid, such as heroin.
From 2010 to 2013, drug overdose deaths in New York increased 41 percent, with 77 percent of those overdoses being from painkillers, methadone, heroin or other opioids.
The number of heroin deaths have doubled in the three year period studied, according to the NYC Department of Health.
Broken down by borough, the Bronx had the highest rate of opioid deaths in 2013, and Queens saw twice an many overdose deaths between 2012 and 2013.
The health department is crediting a 32 percent drop in opioid deaths on Staten Island due an “aggressive approach” that has included educatingindividuals and healthcare providers, provided syringe access programs and used naloxone for overdose reversals, according to Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett.
The health department said Thursday they plan to use a similar approach in the Bronx.
The complete report is available athttp://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/epi/databrief50.pdf.
