""Relay is a critical part of a larger network of care across New York City and w e've been consistently expanding our efforts in overdose prevention and harm reduction," Morse said. "It's a very humbling experience to be a part of this expansion because we have come a long way in caring for New Yorkers who use substances, and we cannot stop now, even though the curve is changing and bending.""
"The Relay program connects patients that physicians believe to be suffering from overdose or drug abuse to a wellness advocate from the DOHMH and came to Wyckoff Heights in October of last year. Patients are met with the advocate to provide support and are offered a "wellness bag" that contains a mask, socks, hygiene essentials and Narcan, as well as other resources for the next 90 days, the period with the highest rate of relapses."
"According to the DOHMH, overdose deaths declined significantly in 2024, and is the first drop in number for Black and Latino New Yorkers, who make up 84% of Wyckoff Heights' patients, since 2018. Vali joined the DOHMH in 2021, the year OnPoint opened the first publicly recognized overdose prevention center, which marked the beginning of a 28% decline in overdose deaths over the next five years."
Relay launched in 2017 connects hospital patients suspected of overdose or drug abuse to DOHMH wellness advocates who provide immediate support and harm-reduction supplies. The program expanded to Wyckoff Heights in October and offers a "wellness bag" containing a mask, socks, hygiene essentials, Narcan, and resources for the 90 days with highest relapse risk. To date 1,700 New Yorkers offered Relay in emergency departments accepted at 94%. Overdose deaths declined significantly in 2024, marking the first drop for Black and Latino New Yorkers since 2018, and a 28% decline followed the opening of an overdose prevention center in 2021.
Read at QNS
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