A new report released by Comptroller Tom DiNapoli found that opioid deaths have surged since the pandemic.
Fatalities from drug overdoses has increased across the board, but the numbers were particularly concerning in New York.
According to the report, opioid-related deaths increased by 68% between 2019 and 2021. A startling 85% of those deaths involved fentanyl or a similar opioid.
The deaths crossed spans of demographics, too.
“Too many New Yorkers have died from the misuse of drugs, but the jump in these numbers is alarming,” DiNapoli said. “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.”
Monroe County had one of the highest rates of opioid-fatalities in the state.
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