Fatal Heroin Overdoses Rise In New York City
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Figures from 2013 show the largest number of heroin fatalities in a decade, according to New York City's Health Department.
Heroin overdose deaths in the city last topped 400 in 2003, the New York Times reported.
Fatal Heroin Overdoses Rise In New York City
Last year, of the 782 fatal drug overdoses, 420 were from heroin, WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported.
Dr. Hillary Kunins, city assistant health commissioner, said the greatest increases are among people aged 15 to 34 and the wealthy, but the highest rate of fatal heroin overdoses remains with middle aged people and Bronx residents.
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Health commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said the drug naloxone has been used to reverse over 500 overdoses since 2010.
Outreach and education programs have been working on Staten Island and health officials now will focus some of those strategies on the Bronx, Bassett said.
Heroin overdose deaths have more than doubled over the past three years in New York City, the department said.
Kunins wants to remind people that treatment is available.
"Treatment works, treatment is life-saving," Kunins said.
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