VESTAL, NY (WSKG) – Fatal overdoses increased across the country in 2020.
According to recent numbers released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 93,000 people died of an overdose. New Yorkers made up nearly 3,000, an almost 40 percent increase from the year before.
In addition, Broome County health officials warned of a spike in overdoses throughout the county. The rise in overdose deaths has led to a demand by harm reduction and drug policy advocates for Overdose Prevention Centers, also known as OPCs.
This week, advocacy groups rallied in front of the Binghamton State Office Building to push for OPC legislation. They argued the facilities would reverse overdoses, reduce the transmission of diseases, and connect people in the community with social services.
CDC: Overdose deaths increased by 30% during pandemic
Drug overdose deaths have increased by 30 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NEW YORK - Health experts say drug abuse was already a big problem before the coronavirus pandemic took hold, and the isolation brought on by COVID restrictions made it harder for struggling addicts to get treatment.
Arman Maddela relapsed from alcohol and drug addiction during the Pandemic. Just being confined in that isolated environment, the thought crept back into my head that drinking and using would be at least somewhat entertaining, Maddela said.
Latoya Melendez s 48-year old mother Sonja overdosed during the pandemic.
Advocates call on Gov Andrew Cuomo to approve overdose prevention centers timesunion.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from timesunion.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.