Last year, drug overdose deaths were at epidemic level in New York City.

The city Department of Health says every six hours someone in the city died of an overdose in 2017. Of all overdose deaths, 73 percent involved heroin and/or fentanyl. 

The Bronx had the highest rate and number of overdose deaths. Hunts Point, Mott Haven, Highbridge and Morrisania had overdose rates more than twice the citywide average. Brooklyn residents accounted for the second-highest number of deaths.

The rate of overdose death was highest among black New Yorkers for the first time in over a decade, compared to Latino and white residents.

In response, the city will distribute more naloxone kits to programs in the Bronx, create a coalition of residents to develop targeted strategies and expand access to 12 new sites citywide, including two in the Bronx.