According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 3,026 New Yorkers died of a drug overdose in 2022, marking a 12% increase from the 2,696 overdose deaths in 2021. Of those, 85% involved an opioid, with fentanyl being the most prevalent. In the Bronx, 831 residents lost their lives to overdoses, compared to 692 in Brooklyn, 469 in Queens, 466 in Manhattan, and 152 in Staten Island. The neighborhoods most affected include Mott Haven, Highbridge, Morrisania, Hunts Point, East Harlem, and Tremont.

Currently, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln patients being treated for Opioid Use Disorder are referred to NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health Center, Belvis, located at 545 East 142nd Street where up to 300 individuals can be treated each month. With plans to provide over double the amount of space at NYC H+H/Lincoln, health officials expect to be able to treat three times that amount.

In 2022, 813 Bronx residents died of a drug overdose. This Center will be a space for residents diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder to get holistic, patient-centered care to decrease the high number of opioid-related overdose deaths in the borough.

“We are experiencing a crisis in the Bronx that requires urgent action and attention as the opioid epidemic continues to impact our communities,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “This epidemic doesn’t just affect those struggling with addiction; it creates ripple effects that impact crime, homelessness, and the overall quality of life in our neighborhoods. I am proud to announce a joint allocation of $6 million with my colleagues in government toward the Lincoln Opioid Recovery and Bridge Clinic, which is a vital step in providing comprehensive treatment and harm reduction services to those in need. By working with our community leaders and health organizations, we can build a support network, increase public awareness, and save lives. We cannot stand by as our loved ones suffer; we must confront this epidemic with urgency and compassion. I want to thank Speaker Carl Heastie; Assembly Member Amanda Septimo; Chief Executive Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, Cristina Contreras; NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO, Mitchell Katz, MD., and everyone else who has played a vital role in supporting the completion of this project.”

“The Lincoln Recover Center will bring a wealth of resources to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln and make it easier for our patients to access substance use care,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “We are deeply grateful to Speaker Heastie, Assemblymember Septimo, and Borough President Gibson for supporting lifesaving substance use care in the South Bronx.”

“We are extremely grateful to Speaker Heastie, Assembly Member Septimo, and Borough President Gibson for this funding,” said Cristina Contreras, LMSW, MPA, FABC, Chief Executive Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. “The new recovery center at Lincoln will be almost double the size of the current space, with all services co-located and the ability to provide care for all types of substance use needs and conditions in one space. It will house all of our substance use treatment staff in one location which offers significant benefit to our patients.”

“The opioid epidemic is a complex health crisis that requires a comprehensive response to save lives and support those in recovery,” said NYS Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie. “Today’s announcement of $6 million illustrates our dedication to the betterment of the community at large. By opening a center in the South Bronx, we are bringing necessary resources to vulnerable populations. Thank you to Assemblywoman Septimo for her efforts in securing state funding for this important center and thank you to Borough President Gibson for her continued advocacy. We are stronger when we work together.”

“The establishment of a full-service opioid center in the South Bronx is an important step toward addressing the public health crisis which has plagued our community for decades,” said New York State Assembly Member Amanda Septimo. “I am grateful to Speaker Carl Heastie and all my New York State Assembly colleagues for working with us in this effort to interrupt cycles of suffering and restoring healing in the South Bronx and beyond.”