Department of Health and Mental Hygiene offers overdose prevention supplies, connections to care at Poe Park
It is a problem News 12 reported on in 2021, and it is still happening today.
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Poe Park is known to have some unsanitary conditions.
311 complaints in the surrounding areas report encampments and homeless assistance. Those in the community say it’s a safety concern.
“There’s a lot of people who are using all sorts of drugs,” said Crystal Cabrera, who lives in Belmont.
It is a problem News 12 reported on in 2021, and it is still happening today.
“It's so sad to see them, you know, laying down on the floor,” said Cabrera.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene was working onsite to help those in need, providing training and education - to people like Crystal Cabrera, who want to assist if someone is having an overdose.
“It doesn’t take up much space and If you got the training and you could put it to good use, that's what the whole purpose is about,” said Cabrera.
Citywide data says more than 2,000 people died last year from an overdose, and the Bronx is one of the most impacted boroughs.
“I know a lot of people who are currently still using it. And I would like to make sure that I'm helping them out when they're around me,” said Deirdra Frazier, from Kingsbridge.
Deirdra Frazier says the number of overdoses in the city affected her personally.
“People that I do know who have touched my heart deeply, who have lost their lives due to the fact that they ODed from fentanyl,” said Frazier.
The Health Department says it is important to remember it has programs that aim to help year-round.
“Enhanced access to treatment options for people who are interested in pursuing medication for opioid use disorder. We also support all of the syringe service programs in the city,” said Angela Jeffers, of NYC of Health and Mental Hygiene.
