A new program at Lincoln Recovery Center is helping Bronx residents overcome addiction.

Despite citywide decreases in drug overdose deaths over the last few years, The Bronx still faces some of the highest rates of loss to substances like opioids, particularly in neighborhoods like Hunts Point, Mott Haven, Crotona, Tremont, Highbridge, Morrisania, Fordham and Bronx Park.

One of the biggest barriers reported from people with addiction is lack of consistent support. The "Hotspotting" program was developed in partnership with the Staten Island Performing Provider System.

Under the model, patients in the NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln emergency department for opioid use, or a nondeadly overdose, will be connected to a dedicated team, including community health workers and peer counselors.For up to a year following the discharge from the hospital, the team will reach out to patients biweekly to offer support and connection to addiction services, medical care, as well as community-based resources, public benefits, and housing as needed.

With the Lincoln Recovery Center moving back to the main hospital this summer, staff says it will be right in the heart of where the need is most.

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