Health Department launches campaign to prevent nightlife overdoses

The Health Department is seeing a spike in overdoses across the city and has created a plan to target areas where people might be using, such as bars and clubs.

News 12 Staff

Jun 28, 2019, 12:25 AM

Updated 1,856 days ago

Share:

The Health Department is seeing a spike in overdoses across the city and has created a plan to target areas where people might be using, such as bars and clubs.
City Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot says New York City has had seven consecutive years of increasing deaths from drug overdose. She says it is driven by the presence of fentanyl.
Now, the Health Department says fentanyl is being found occasionally in cocaine.
Department of Health staff is working with bars and clubs in northern Brooklyn beginning Thursday, using posters and coasters showing partygoers how to stay safe.
"Nightlife is a bubbling cauldron of art, dance and self-expression where individuals feel safe to explore and experiment sometimes," says Jacqui Rabkin, marketing director at House of Yes. "This includes substance use, and sometimes nightlife staff are the first responders to drug overdose or crisis."
Tips including carrying naloxone to prevent overdoses. They add that if someone is going to use cocaine, to use around another person so that someone can call 911 for them, if necessary.
A similar campaign on the Lower East Side has shown good results. Those who live in the area think it's valuable.
"I think information being available to the public is amazing and I think having the physical resources, having naloxone kits available ... that's lifesaving, that's absolutely necessary," says Peter Mercury, of Bushwick.
The Health Department reminds people that naloxone is available to those who need it at pharmacies across the area.
 


More from News 12
0:32
Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

1:40
Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

1:46
Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

1:08
East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

1:24
G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

1:44
Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

1:43
Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

0:47
Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

0:24
Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

2:10
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

1:44
The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

1:36
Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

1:31
Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

1:41
Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

1:46
YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

0:37
Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

1:14
New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

1:35
Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

1:55
Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

0:29
Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American