MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y., Oct. 25, 2022 – The New York State Department of Health released its County Opioid Quarterly Report for October 2022, showing a 14% preliminary increase in 2021 overdose deaths involving opioids over the prior year. In light of these findings, the Health Department reminds New Yorkers that State Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary T. Bassett has issued a statewide pharmacy standing order for naloxone that took effect on August 15, 2022. Naloxone (Narcan) is a lifesaving medication that can be easily administered to block the effects of opioids allowing a stricken person to regain consciousness and resume normal breathing.
"Cases of overdose are on the rise both nationally and statewide, and about three-quarters of all overdose deaths in New York State now involve fentanyl," State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. "I’d like to remind the public our standing order for naloxone should put this lifesaving medication in the hands of more people to help reduce the number of fatal overdoses…”.
As part of the State's ongoing work to address the opioid crisis, this report provides timely information about county level health burdens related to heroin and opioid use. This enables local communities to respond to those needs. Livingston County’s data demonstrates a steady and low level of opioid overdoses that result in death, but still rates of death are around five residents from 2021 as compared to the only data available from January through March of zero residents. Naloxone administrations were similar, showing seven as compared to six in Naloxone administrations between April-June of 2021 versus the same period in 2022. The new standing order may allow any resident to have Narcan available to save someone’s life.
According to New York State Department of Health, opioid overdose deaths continue to increase in Livingston County. “Livingston County’s Community Health Improvement Plan includes initiatives with various community partners to prevent opioid and other substance misuse and deaths. Strategies include Narcan training programs, support systems to care for opioid users at risk of overdose including peer navigators through CASA at Trinity (a Community based treatment center), a Regional Opioid Task Force through S2AY, and Trauma Informed Approaches through the Genesee Valley Health Partnership”, stated Jennifer Rodriguez, Public Health Director.
How You Can Help
If you or anyone you know is in need of substance use prevention and treatment services please contact CASA-Trinity through the Outpatient Clinic and Prevention in Geneseo at: 585-991-5012 or the Dansville Wellness Center Residential Program, Outpatient clinic and COTI at: 585-335-5052. Read the full NYS report here.
The public and providers are encouraged to recognize the signs of overdose and take advantage of the resources available through the Opioid Overdose Prevention Program to help those in need.
People with questions or requests for additional information should contact opioidprevention@health.ny.gov.
View opioid overdose information for Livingston County here.