New York City reported a 17% decline in drug-related deaths among shelter residents, despite a 31% increase in people utilizing shelters due to a migrant influx. The 2024 fiscal year saw 159 deaths from drug overdoses, down 32 from the previous year. City agencies have implemented harm reduction strategies such as counseling and providing life-saving resources like naloxone training. Experts believe these measures empower individuals to make their own choices, potentially leading to better outcomes.
"Everything is centered around the person. We're letting them make all the decisions, which in turn gives us a better outcome because the clients are feeling more empowered."
"In 2023, with the help of federal funding, the city launched a harm reduction program that would help drug users manage substance use with counseling, medication and referrals to safe-use locations."
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