The New York City Health Department has reported that overdose deaths declined sharply in 2008 to the lowest levels since 1999.  Officials attribute this to the distribution of naloxone, which when used during an overdose can quickly neutralize the effects of opiates.  This has drastically cut the number of fatal drug overdoses in New York State.

The report states that deaths fell 27% from 874 in 2006 to 666 in 2008.  Drug overdose remains the third leading cause of premature death among New Yorkers between the ages of 25 to 34.

Praxis is a harm reduction advocate and its staff is trained in the event of an opioid overdose.  For more information on these life saving techniques, visit the video section of the website.

Recently several of the Praxis CAB have been actively lobbying in Albany.  Ramon Valasquez has been campaigning for legislation to end prison-based gerrymandering.  CAB Member Michele Alexander and CAB President James Dean have also attended meetings in Albany in regards to the 30% Rent Cap Bill, which recently passed in New York State Senate.   And yesterday, Praxis CAB members attended the Albany AIDS Awareness Day 2010.
Praxis clients are making a difference for all of us.  To read more about this legislation, make sure to check out the March newsletter.

The Bronx Veterans Parade Committee in conjunction with the Veterans In Positive Action Inc. is holding a benefit fundraiser on Thursday, 22 April 2010 in Throgs Neck.  For more information on this black tie event, please contact Sister Dolores Steele at (718) 506-6533 or SGM Santiago at (646) 251-4935.

This information was passed along to us through one of our staff members at the Lincoln, who is not only a veteran but an active participant in the Bronx Veterans Parade.

HUD defines permanent supportive housing as long-term, community-based housing that has supportive services for homeless individuals with disabilities. This type of supportive housing enables special needs populations to live as independently as possible in a permanent setting. The supportive services may be provided by the organization managing the housing or coordinated by the applicant and provided by other public or private service agencies. Permanent housing can be provided in one structure or several structures at one site or in multiple structures at scattered sites.

Permanent supportive housing for Praxis clients often means stability not just in housing, but health.  Study upon study has proven that permanent supportive housing enables individuals to become productive members of society.  Many people placed in permanent supportive housing have never had a home of their own.  For those living with a chronic illness, not having a home can mean the difference between life and death.  When one is struggling just to find a place to live, healthcare becomes less of a priority.

According to a Lewin Group study from 2004, supportive housing also saves money.  The following numbers indicate the cost per night for each service, whether it be prison or a shelter.

• Supportive Housing $41.85
• Shelter $54.42
• Prison $74.00
• Jail $164.57
• Mental Hospital $467
• Hospital $1185

By giving people a home and supportive services, this also dramatically cuts down the rate of emergency room visits, and thus also cuts costs to the general community.

The supportive services that residents of permanent supportive housing sites receive are also invaluable.  Residents have case workers who help them with life skills as well as with maintaining their health by ensuring they get to appointments and maintaining their drug regimen.

At Praxis, we’ve seen people literally come in with nothing but the clothes on their backs and they’ve gone on to live in their own apartments.  Countless residents have gone on to further their education and become active members of the communities in which they live.

It’s simple.  Housing saves lives.

Mayor Bloomberg has proposed further budget cuts of $4 million, which would directly effect New York’s HIV/AIDS population. These cuts would eliminate 248 HASA case worker positions through 2011. This would make it even more difficult for HASA clients to access public benefits, and could lead to an even greater homeless population.

Almost 45,000 low-income New Yorkers with HIV/AIDS and their families depend on HASA case workers to gain housing and services. Case workers help clients not only find housing, but they also help provide access to healthcare. Supportive housing provides stability to those who may otherwise engage in risky behavior, thus reducing new infection rates and also helping people live longer and more productive lives.

These proposed cuts would be in addition to the $4 million city/statewide Scatter Site II program elimination in 2009.

It’s not too late to voice your concern over these newly announced further budget cuts. Please contact your City Council Member through the Council switchboard at (212) 788-7100 or visit www.council.nyc.gov.

On 4 December 2009, Praxis held its 4th Annual World AIDS Day Event at the Wilson Major Morris Community Center.  It was an evening full of sharing- through spoken word, music, and dance.

Staff and residents displayed overwhelming talent and we were lucky enough to get it all on tape.

To view the latest videos, check out the Media section of our website.  And thank you to all who volunteered their time and resources to make the night so memorable.

In what might be our last tip from guest blogger Ian (who is going back to the UK in February), the Brooklyn Public Library is offering free CPR training.

On Wednesday 10 February 2010 and Wednesday 31 March 2010, the FDNY will be holding free CPR training at the Brooklyn Public Library. These classes are not for certification, but could help save lives.

To reserve a spot in the training, please call (718) 230-2477.

Praxis resident and guest blogger Ian has passed along some information regarding upcoming free workshops at the Brooklyn Public Library.

On Saturday, 23 January from 1:30-4:00pm, Sexually Transmitted Infections will be the subject at this interactive workshop.  The workshop will discuss risky behaviors, signs and symptoms, treatment, and risk reduction techniques.

Part two of this workshop takes place on 30 January from 1:30-4:00pm.  It’s entitled Communications and Sexuality.  This workshop will focus on how to talk about sex with partners, family, friends, doctors, etc.

Both workshops are free to the public and take place in the Trustees’ Room at the Central Library located at 10 Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn.

Thanks to Ian for the info!

Recently, the city of New York’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene printed about 70,000 copies of the Take Charge Take Care guide which offers information on how to prepare drugs carefully and how to care for veins in order to avoid infection.

Many bloggers and politicians are up in arms over this booklet, saying it’s ‘a step-by-step instruction on how to inject poison’.

However, countless studies have proven again and again that harm reduction not only saves lives but it also prevents the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C.  Simply ignoring those who inject drugs does not mean the issue goes away.  If anything, remaining in the dark about safety leads to higher infection rates.  That is a fact.

Assistant Commissioner Daliah Heller says instructions on how to perform injections were included in the information because there’s “a less harmful way to inject.”

The illustrated guidebook offers information on HIV testing and the dangers of sharing needles.

It’s amazing how much outrage can be found over 70,000 copies of a booklet distributed in New York City in which the goal is to save lives.

In these difficult economic times, all non profits could use a boost.

Chase is offering the opportunity for people to vote for their non profit of choice to receive money.

All you have to do is log into facebook, click this link, and vote for Praxis.

http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/

One quick click could make a real difference.