Safe Injection Sites in NYC Reduce Overdose Deaths, Except in High-Crime Areas

There is a glimmer of good news regarding drug overdoses in New York.

The city’s Health Department reports a decrease in overdose deaths in 2023 compared to the previous year, dropping from 3,070 to 3,046, a one percent decline.

A closer examination of this number reveals its small nature, as an important indicator has not shown improvement.

According to the city, “overdose deaths remained disproportionately high among Black and Latino New Yorkers.”

Despite this, overdose prevention centers in low-income neighborhoods of color, where overdose deaths are supposed to decline, may not be achieving the desired results.

The two “overdose prevention centers” operated by OnPoint NYC are located in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, raising concerns about their impact on reducing overdose deaths in these communities.

As the city turns a blind eye to harm reduction sites, questions arise about whether they are promoting hard drug use and contributing to high overdose death rates in the communities they serve.

A study supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse aims to measure the impact of recognized overdose prevention centers in the United States, with results expected in 2027.

While some believe in the effectiveness of harm reduction programs, questions remain about their impact on overdose deaths in communities served by these centers.

New York City should consider alternative approaches to addressing drug abuse, utilizing available information to evaluate the effectiveness of harm reduction programs.

It is essential to examine who is being served by these programs, whether they are existing addicts or new ones being influenced by the availability of safe injection sites.

The city should not wait for the results of a long-term study to take action and compare the beneficiaries of harm reduction centers with the victims of overdose deaths.

As debates continue about the efficacy of harm reduction sites, it is crucial for the city to prioritize the well-being of its residents and consider all possible consequences of these programs.

New York City has a responsibility to use its resources wisely, sending a clear message that drug abuse is harmful and not a safe choice for individuals.

Howard Husock is an American Enterprise Institute senior fellow and the author of “The Poor Side of Town — And Why We Need It.”