Overdose Deaths Decline for the First Time Since 2018 in Historically Black and Brown Neighborhoods Served by OnPoint NYC, with the Program Credited as a Contributing Factor
New York, NY — OnPoint NYC today marked the fourth anniversary of the nation’s first publicly recognized Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) by releasing new milestone data that underscore the program’s impact on overdose prevention, public safety, and community health in New York City.
Since launching the OPC program in November 2021, OnPoint NYC has:
- Successfully intervened in all 1,983 overdoses, resulting in no fatalities
- Served 6,943 unique participants
- Provided a safe and supportive space for more than 239,200 OPC utilizations
- Generated an estimated $55.5 million in cost savings for the city by reducing emergency response, hospitalizations, and other public-system costs
This year also marks a significant public-health milestone. For the first time since 2018, overdose deaths have declined in the historically Black and Brown neighborhoods in northern Manhattan and the Bronx, communities directly served by OnPoint NYC, where the public health officials have directly credited the organization’s work as a contributing factor to the shift.
This year also marks a significant public-health milestone. For the first time since 2018, overdose deaths have declined in the historically Black and Brown neighborhoods in northern Manhattan and the Bronx, communities directly served by OnPoint NYC, where the public health officials have directly credited the organization’s work as a contributing factor to the shift.
“For four years, our team has stood with people that the world too often looks away from. Every life we’ve saved and every crisis we’ve prevented is a reminder of what’s possible when we lead with love, compassion, and real solutions. The next chapter won’t be simple, but our commitment to the beautiful people we serve has never been stronger. We’re here. We’re steady. And we’re ready for whatever comes next,” said Sam Rivera, Executive Director, OnPoint NYC.
Public Safety and Community Impact
In addition to overdose prevention, OnPoint NYC’s OPCs play a critical role in community stabilization and public safety, particularly in neighborhoods most affected by the overdose crisis.
New data show:
- Outreach staff engaged people in care 39,405 times
- More than 6.8 million units of hazardous waste safely collected, including: 1,388,626 units removed from NYC parks, sidewalks and other public spaces
- 5,418,860 units safely diverted away from public spaces by being collected onsite
These efforts reduce syringe litter, improve street conditions, and enhance safety for residents, businesses ,and first responders.
City and state leaders, public-health officials, and community partners joined OnPoint NYC to reflect on four years of impact and discuss the road ahead for overdose prevention in New York City.
NYC Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse: “At the New York City Health Department, we are unwavering in our commitment to keep New Yorkers healthy and connected to resources, especially while proven harm reduction strategies are under threat. Comprehensive, compassionate, stigma-free care provided by OnPoint NYC promotes recovery and stability. We are grateful for our community partners in the ongoing work to support a healthier city.”
NYS Senator Gustavo Rivera: “OnPoint NYC has shown what’s possible when we meet a public health crisis with courage, evidence, and humanity. The data released today makes clear that Overdose Prevention Centers save lives, strengthen communities, and reduce strain on emergency systems. The question is no longer whether these programs work, it’s whether we are willing to act now and make them available to communities across New York State.”
NYS Senator Nathalia Fernandez: “For four years, OnPoint NYC’s Overdose Prevention Centers have stood as powerful examples of what compassionate, evidence-informed services look like in action. OnPoint NYC reminds us that saving lives and treating people with dignity are one and the same. Today, we celebrate not just four years of impact, but a model of care that puts people first.”
NYS Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal: “Every day, we continue to lose loved ones to preventable overdose deaths. For four years, OnPoint NYC has demonstrated that no one has to die from an overdose. Beyond ensuring that people survive an overdose, OnPoint NYC has become a national model for meeting the most urgent health and social needs of vulnerable individuals and supporting them to improve their health and stability. Since 2017, I have sponsored legislation to authorize overdose prevention centers state wide and On Point is a testament to the fact that these facilities save lives.”
About OnPoint NYC: OnPoint NYC is a nonprofit organization operating the nation’s first publicly recognized Overdose Prevention Centers. Through health services and coordinated outreach, OnPoint NYC works to save lives, reduce overdose deaths, and strengthen the health and safety of communities most impacted by the overdose crisis.
Participating in Today’s Press Conference:
- Sam Rivera, Executive Director, OnPoint NYC
- Dr. Michelle Morse, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Health
- Eri Noguchi, Associate Executive Director of ABC Education
- NYS Senator Gustavo Rivera
- Pia Marcus, Director of Overdose Prevention
- Clara Cardell, Former OPC Participant/Current OnPoint NYC Staffer
