Operator Of The Nation’s First & Only Supervised Safe Consumption Centers Announce That It Has Intervened In Over 300 Drug Overdoses As It Approaches 6-month Anniversary
1,252 Participants Have Utilized the Facilities; Centers Have Safely Discarded Over 470,000 Used Syringes, Dramatically Reducing the Amount Left in Public Spaces
New York, NY – As it marks its first 6 months of operations, OnPoint NYC, the operator of the nation’s first and only authorized supervised consumption centers, announces that it has averted 314 drug overdoses since opening on November 30, 2021. The nonprofit, which runs two harm reduction programs in northern Manhattan (East Harlem and Washington Heights), provides critical intervention services as the country seeks to cope with record levels of drug overdose fatalities.
As New York City struggles with a record 2,000 fatal overdoses annually, OnPoint NYC’s supervised consumption centers have been utilized 20,708 times by 1,252 registered participants.
OnPoint NYC, which disposes all paraphernalia used by participants in its overdose prevention centers and has a dedicated team that picks up discarded drug paraphernalia in public areas and parks, has safely disposed of 472,670 syringes – much of which would have likely been left in public.
“Supervised safe consumption is a life-saving, medical intervention. Every person that walks through our doors has a story, someone that loves them and hopes for a life that is not defined by addiction or trauma. Every one of them deserves compassion and a chance at healing. I’m proud of my team and their dedication. I’m also proud of our participants who despite their struggles are taking steps to stay alive and heal. It’s an honor to be here for them,” said Sam Rivera, OnPoint NYC’s Executive Director.
About OnPoint NYC: In addition to supervised consumption centers in East Harlem and Washington Heights, OnPoint NYC provides wraparound services to meet its underserved participant’s comprehensive set of needs including, medical and mental health care, onsite access to Buprenorphine and other addiction treatment options, Hepatitis C and HIV testing and treatment, holistic services, hygiene and respite, food, clothing, and other critical supports.
