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NYC Health Dept. launches opioid awareness campaign
Posted: Updated:The New York City Health Department is tackling the opioid epidemic head-on with a new campaign it hopes will help addicts kick the habit.
Health Commissioner Mary Bassett announced Wednesday at Montefiore Medical Center a more than $4 million initiative to raise awareness about the opioid epidemic and to reduce the stigma of treatment.
Bassett says more than 43,000 New Yorkers were treated for opioid addiction last year but that more need to seek help.
She says using drugs to combat addiction can save lives.
"These medications, which include methadone and reduce the symptoms of withdrawal, they reduce opioid cravings. They reduce the risk of overdose and they give people there lives back," she says.
The city also announced a new public awareness campaign featuring New Yorkers willing to share their stories of addiction and how medication helps them combat addiction.
"Every day, people in our community are dying because we do not treat opioid addiction like the chronic disease it is. That has to change and it has to change fast," says New York City first lady Chirlane McCray.
According to city officials, a New Yorker dies from a drug overdose every seven hours, and opioids were found to be responsible for 82 percent of those deaths.
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Police search for suspect who shot man in the eye in Castle Hill
Police search for suspect who shot man in the eye in Castle Hill
One man has been sent to the hospital and another man is on the run after a morning shooting in Castle Hill. The incident happened before 6:30 a.m. at 575 Castle Hill Ave.One man has been sent to the hospital and another man is on the run after a morning shooting in Castle Hill. The incident happened before 6:30 a.m. at 575 Castle Hill Ave.Food Fight: Tell us where you like to eat!
Food Fight: Tell us where you like to eat!
News 12 The Bronx is holding a battle of the best eats around! Tell us where you like to eat!News 12 The Bronx is holding a battle of the best eats around! Tell us where you like to eat!State senator and advocacy group ride 4 train, talk to riders about congestion pricing
State senator and advocacy group ride 4 train, talk to riders about congestion pricing
State Sen. Gustavo Rivera and advocacy group Riders Alliance talked with subway riders on the 4 train at Fordham Road on Saturday.State Sen. Gustavo Rivera and advocacy group Riders Alliance talked with subway riders on the 4 train at Fordham Road on Saturday.Crews battle 2-alarm house fire in Wakefield
Crews battle 2-alarm house fire in Wakefield
A house fire broke out Saturday afternoon in the Wakefield section of the Bronx while no one was inside the residence.A house fire broke out Saturday afternoon in the Wakefield section of the Bronx while no one was inside the residence.From waste to wanted: BronxArtSpace hosts FABSCRAP as part of ‘Refashion Week’
From waste to wanted: BronxArtSpace hosts FABSCRAP as part of ‘Refashion Week’
A nonprofit gallery sold designer fabrics, leather and trim at thrift-store prices on Saturday.A nonprofit gallery sold designer fabrics, leather and trim at thrift-store prices on Saturday.MTA to phase out MetroCard: Out with the swipe, in with the tap
MTA to phase out MetroCard: Out with the swipe, in with the tap
The MTA has announced plans to start testing its new MetroCard system next week.The MTA has announced plans to start testing its new MetroCard system next week.Lawmaker proposes study on splitting NY into 2 states
Lawmaker proposes study on splitting NY into 2 states
The topic of splitting New York state into separate upstate and downstate entities has popped up once again at the state Capitol.The topic of splitting New York state into separate upstate and downstate entities has popped up once again at the state Capitol.US-China talks continue as March deadline looms for tariff hike
US-China talks continue as March deadline looms for tariff hike
U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports are set to rise as a March 1 deadline is fast approaching.U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports are set to rise as a March 1 deadline is fast approaching.Police: Person struck by train in Port Morris
Police: Person struck by train in Port Morris
A person was struck by a train in Port Morris this morning.A person was struck by a train in Port Morris this morning.Police: 2 suspects broke into delivery van, stole merchandise on Valentine’s Day
Police: 2 suspects broke into delivery van, stole merchandise on Valentine’s Day
Police are searching for two men who are accused of breaking into a delivery van on Valentine's Day.Police are searching for two men who are accused of breaking into a delivery van on Valentine's Day.
GalleriesMore>>
National Love Your Pet Day Photos
National Love Your Pet Day Photos
Send us photos us photos of all of the pets you love!Send us photos us photos of all of the pets you love!Photos from Toy Fair 2019
Photos from Toy Fair 2019
The 116th annual North American International Toy Fair has begun.The 116th annual North American International Toy Fair has begun.Bronx Birthday Smiles
Bronx Birthday Smiles
It's a celebration! Is your or a loved one's birthday coming up? Let us know! Send us your photos and you could end up on air and News12.com!
It's a celebration! Is your or a loved one's birthday coming up? Let us know! Send us your photos and you could end up on air and News12.com!
It's a celebration! Is your or a loved one's birthday coming up? Let us know! Send us your photos and you could end up on air and News12.com!
It's a celebration! Is your or a loved one's birthday coming up? Let us know! Send us your photos and you could end up on air and News12.com!
Guide: Brooklyn and Bronx Breweries
Guide: Brooklyn and Bronx Breweries
Looking to check out brewery this summer? There are many breweries across the boroughs for beer-lovers to visit.
Looking to check out brewery this summer? There are many breweries across the boroughs for beer-lovers to visit.
Boogie Down Bites Photos
Boogie Down Bites Photos
Here are some of the dishes featured on Boogie Down Bites.
Here are some of the dishes featured on Boogie Down Bites.
Just Married in The Bronx
Just Married in The Bronx
News 12 The Bronx wants to announce your wedding. If you were married in the past 90 days, please submit your photos via Twitter or Instagram using #JustMarriedBX.
News 12 The Bronx wants to announce your wedding. If you were married in the past 90 days, please submit your photos via Twitter or Instagram using #JustMarriedBX.
Westminster Kennel Club's annual dog show trots into New York
Westminster Kennel Club's annual dog show trots into New York
Photos from the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Piers 92/94 in February, 2019 in New York City.Photos from the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Piers 92/94 in February, 2019 in New York City.61st annual Grammy Awards
61st annual Grammy Awards
Photos from the 61st annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.Photos from the 61st annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.Your 2019 Bronx Valentine's Day Photos
Your 2019 Bronx Valentine's Day Photos
Celebrate the one you love this Valentine's Day! Share your photos with us.Celebrate the one you love this Valentine's Day! Share your photos with us.Guide: Casinos
Guide: Casinos
Do you like to gamble? Or maybe you're just looking to get away for a weekend or for a night? The tri-state area has a couple casinos that may do the trick.
Do you like to gamble? Or maybe you're just looking to get away for a weekend or for a night? The tri-state area has a couple casinos that may do the trick. Here is a guide to casinos in the area.
Do you like to gamble? Or maybe you're just looking to get away for a weekend or for a night? The tri-state area has a couple casinos that may do the trick. Here is a guide to casinos in the area.