Exclusive | Revolutionary NYC program for addicts has fatal overdoses plummeting

Opioid overdose deaths have plummeted for addicts in a revolutionary treatment program on Staten Island, a new study shows — as officials look to expand it to help save more lives.There were two fatal overdoses of 612 people participating in the “Hotspotting” program compared to 14 deaths for 1,089 addicts not engaged, according to new data from the initiative.“As the five-alarm fire of the fentanyl and overdose crisis continues to rage, we must leave no stone unturned in our pursuit to save lives and put an end to this deadly epidemic,” said Staten Island DA Mike McMahon.“Our Hotspotting Initiative has prevented countless overdoses while ensuring that some of Staten Island’s most at-risk populations are given the treatment and holistic support they need to improve their lives for the better.”The participants were identified as having a high risk of ODing by using an analytics tool that Northwell Health’s Staten Island Performing Provider System developed with MIT.The “Year 2” results from April 2023 to April 2024 showed a 77% drop in fatal overdoses for participants.The analysis also showed a 36% reduction in non-fatal overdoses and 63% reduction in substance use disorder-related emergency room visits compared to opioid users not in the program.The findings reveal that 98% of clients received harm reduction services — including naloxone kits, xylazine and fentanyl test strips, sterile syringes and access to syringe exchange programs.Moreover, 100% of clients had a certified recovery peer advocate assigned to them and 99% completed social care screenings, according to the analysis.These screenings connect patients to mental health, medical and social services as well as addiction treatment.The Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS) is a joint collaboration with nine Staten Island organizations, including the Staten Island District Attorney’s Office, Northwell Health’s Staten Island University Hospital, and other community-based...