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.

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