Overdose deaths in New York state rose 14% in 2021 compared to the previous year, a report released Monday by the state Department of Health found.
The data released as part of a quarterly update from public health officials on opioid usage and deaths in the state comes as New York has continued to grapple with a sharp rise in overdose fatalities in recent years. The increase has coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report also found a 2% rise in hospitalizations due to opioid overdoses and a 7% rise in opioid overdoses that do not involve heroin. Overdose deaths are also on the rise across the country as fentanyl usage has spread.
Emergency room visits have also sharply increased by 24%, health data show.
All told, 2,630 overdoses -- from heroin, opioids and other drugs -- were recorded in New York outside of New York City last year.
In August, state Health Commissioner Mary Bassett order pharmacies to carry naloxone, which can be used to counter the effects of an overdose and help a person resume normal breathing. More than 30,000 administrations of naloxone have been made through Sept. 6.
"Cases of overdose are on the rise both nationally and statewide, and about three-quarters of all overdose deaths in New York State now involve fentanyl," Bassett said. "I’d like to remind the public our standing order for naloxone should put this lifesaving medication in the hands of more people to help reduce the number of fatal overdoses. I appreciate the hard work of the Department's team at the Office of Public Health and our partners at the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports for continuing to find new ways to help those dependent on opioids and those who treat them.”