Advocates and providers in New York are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a public health emergency to address the opioid crisis, but she has resisted. Despite pressure and calls from lawmakers, Hochul has not made the declaration, leading to frustration among those seeking more aggressive actions to combat the crisis. The city has seen a record number of overdose deaths, particularly affecting Black New Yorkers and residents of the Bronx and Staten Island. The governor’s administration claims that efforts are already being made to address the crisis, with some data showing a decrease in overdose deaths. However, critics argue that declaring a public health emergency could provide additional resources and tools to tackle the issue effectively. The advisory board tasked with allocating settlement funds from pharmaceutical companies has also emphasized the need for more transparency in spending and support for overdose prevention centers.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has been under pressure to declare a public health emergency as opioid overdose deaths continue to plague the state. With the opioid crisis escalating, many advocates and providers believe that declaring an emergency could expedite efforts to address the crisis.
During a recent meeting of the Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board, members expressed disappointment over the lack of an emergency declaration from the state. Joyce Rivera, a board member and CEO of St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction, urged the board to advocate for a public health emergency declaration to utilize the state’s power effectively.
New York City reported a record-high of 3,026 overdose deaths in 2022, with a significant increase during the early years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Overdose deaths in the city were predominantly among Black New Yorkers and residents of the Bronx and Staten Island.
Despite mounting pressure, Governor Hochul has refrained from declaring a public health emergency. Advocates and lawmakers have called for the declaration to waive cost-sharing for substance use treatment services, increase Medicaid rates for such services, address staffing shortages, and enhance community-based overdose prevention services.
While there has been a decrease in overdose deaths in New York state, some advisory board members emphasized the importance of a public health emergency declaration as a crucial tool in combating the crisis. New York City currently has two overdose prevention centers operating under agreements between the mayor and the police, although they remain illegal under federal, state, and local laws.
The advisory board has consistently advocated for using settlement funds to support overdose prevention centers, but Governor Hochul has opposed this idea. Some board members also expressed frustration towards New York City for a lack of transparency in spending settlement funds.
In a recent report, New York City disclosed receiving $154.3 million in settlement funds, with plans to allocate $50 million annually by fiscal year 2027. The advisory board is set to reconvene on September 24 to continue discussions on addressing the opioid crisis.
Eliza Fawcett, a reporter covering public health in New York City for Healthbeat, can be contacted at efawcett@healthbeat.org.
Source: TheCity.NYC
