SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — New York officials launched an online campaign on July 11 to combat the opioid crisis.
Opioid overdose deaths skyrocketed in New York State beginning in 2020. The pandemic saw fatalities jump 44% to 4,233.
These statistics come from the 2022 New York State Opioid Annual Report, a report which highlighted many other concerning statistics regarding opioid related deaths, including a sharp increase here in Onondaga county.
The State has done a “pretty good job” of making New Yorkers aware of ways to fight opioid overdose, said resident Denise Mironti. However, she went on to say that “it’s not really showing in the outcome.”
The campaign is focused around the drug naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone was originally approved by the FDA in 1971, and can be self-administered through a needle or a nasal spray.
The goal of this new campaign, which will appear on social media, streaming platforms, and online, is to make residents aware of the fact that naloxone is accessible to them and their loved ones, said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.
Naloxone can return slowed or stopped breathing to normal in an overdosed person who receives the drug in time.
The campaign will run through Aug. 30 according to New York State health officials.
