For the first time in four years, New York City did not see an increase in opioid-related overdose deaths, but Mott Haven and Hunts Point now have the highest rates of fatalities, more than triple the citywide average, according to the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The department released 2023 provisional data on Oct. 24, showing the first drop in opioid-related overdose deaths since 2013. Despite the citywide decrease, the Mott Haven and Hunts Point overdose death rate climbed from 100.1 per 100,000 residents to 138.9 per 100,000 residents in 2023, a near 39 percent increase, surpassing Crotona and Tremont, which were the leading neighborhoods in 2022.
“While we celebrate this progress, we must recognize that Bronx residents remain disproportionately impacted by this epidemic,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, in a statement.
“It is crucial that we continue to invest in harm reduction strategies, holistic care services, and initiatives that prioritize the health and wellness of every individual in our communities.”
