On November 30, NYC open the first drug injection sites in the U.S. as a step toward curbing drug overdose and impact the HIV epidemic. These overdose prevention centers are staffed with trained professionals and also offer help for drug addiction. (Axios)

“New York City has led the nation’s battle against COVID-19, and the fight to keep our community safe doesn’t stop there. After exhaustive study, we know the right path forward to protect the most vulnerable people in our city. And we will not hesitate to take it,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Overdose Prevention Centers are a safe and effective way to address the opioid crisis. I’m proud to show cities in this country that after decades of failure, a smarter approach is possible.”  (NYC.gov)

In November, the CDC releases data that reported:

• 100,306 overdose deaths in the U.S. from April 2020 – April 2021.
• Among these deaths, Fentanyl attributed to 77%.
• In Q1 2021, 596 deaths occurred in NYC.