Millions Allocated to Combat Bronx Opioid Crisis

Millions Allocated to Combat Bronx Opioid Crisis

Introduction

Bronx Borough President, alongside key local and state leaders, announced the allocation of $6 million to create a new facility aimed at combating the opioid crisis in the borough.

The announcement took place outside Lincoln Hospital’s auditorium at 234 East 149th St., signifying a crucial step in addressing the alarming rate of opioid-related overdose deaths in the South Bronx.

The new facility, named the Bronx Recovery Center, will be a collaborative initiative between local government and health officials. Once operational, it will triple the current treatment capacity for individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in the area. This initiative fulfills a commitment made by the Borough President during her 2024 State of the Borough Address to tackle the opioid epidemic head-on.

“We are experiencing a crisis in the Bronx that demands urgent action and attention,” stated the Borough President. “This epidemic doesn’t just affect those battling addiction; it creates ripple effects that impact crime, homelessness, and the overall quality of life in our neighborhoods. We cannot stand by as our loved ones suffer; we must confront this epidemic with urgency and compassion.”

The funding was secured through a collaborative effort involving the Bronx Borough President, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Assembly Members, healthcare leaders, and the CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, along with Cristina Contreras, CEO of Lincoln Hospital.

The Bronx Recovery Center will serve as a comprehensive hub for opioid addiction treatment, expanding the capabilities of NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. It is expected to accommodate three times the number of patients currently treated at the Gotham Health Center, Belvis, which serves about 300 individuals each month.

The Bronx has been severely impacted by opioid overdoses, with 831 residents losing their lives to overdoses in 2022, the highest in New York City. The neighborhoods most affected include Mott Haven, Highbridge, Hunts Point, and Tremont, with fentanyl being the most frequently linked opioid in overdose cases.

The Bronx Recovery Center is part of a broader strategy to enhance care for residents with Opioid Use Disorder and reduce opioid-related deaths in the borough.