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Innovative Addiction Treatment Program Expands to the Bronx to Combat Opioid Overdoses
New York City’s public hospital system is implementing a groundbreaking addiction treatment program at Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx. This expansion follows the successful implementation of the “Hotspotting” initiative on Staten Island, which significantly reduced opioid overdose deaths, according to reports.
“Hotspotting” Program Launch at Lincoln Hospital
NYC Health + Hospitals will introduce the specialized “Hotspotting” treatment program at Lincoln Hospital, enabled by a $660,000 grant from the Robin Hood Foundation. This initiative aims to replicate the success seen in curbing opioid-related fatalities in Staten Island within the Bronx community.
Dedicated Care Teams and Comprehensive Support
The Hotspotting model will ensure that patients seeking care for opioid use disorder in Lincoln Hospital’s emergency department are linked with a dedicated multidisciplinary care team. This team will comprise community health workers and peer counselors, providing a holistic approach to recovery.
Extended Follow-Up Care and Resources
For up to one year after hospital discharge, the care team will proactively engage with patients biweekly. This consistent outreach aims to provide sustained support, connecting individuals to:
- Addiction services
- Ongoing medical care
- Community-based resources
- Welfare benefits
- Housing assistance, as needed
To facilitate continuous engagement, the program will provide patients with a cell phone and a dedicated service contact, ensuring seamless access to support and resources.
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Targeting High-Risk Individuals
The program at Lincoln Hospital is designed to support approximately 150 individuals struggling with substance abuse who face an elevated risk of relapse. By focusing on this vulnerable population, the initiative seeks to maximize its impact on reducing overdose incidents.
Proven Success in Staten Island
A study evaluating the Hotspotting program in Staten Island, conducted by Northwell Health’s Staten Island Performing Provider System in collaboration with MIT, demonstrated remarkable outcomes. Among 612 participants in the program, there were only two fatal overdoses, compared to 14 deaths among a control group of 1,089 individuals not involved in the initiative.
Significant Reduction in Overdoses and ER Visits
The analysis further revealed a 36% decrease in non-fatal overdoses and a substantial 63% reduction in emergency room visits related to substance use disorder among participants, when compared to opioid users not enrolled in the program. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the Hotspotting model in mitigating the harmful consequences of opioid addiction.
Addressing the Opioid Crisis in NYC
“The rising potency of opioids in New York City necessitates innovative and enhanced support systems for our patients grappling with opioid use disorder,” stated Mitchell Katz, president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals.
Year-Long Support and Gratitude for Partnerships
“The Hotspotting program will offer patients at Lincoln Hospital up to a year of sustained follow-up care after their hospital treatment for opioid addiction. We express deep gratitude to the Robin Hood Foundation and the Staten Island Performing Provider System for their invaluable support in launching this pioneering model within NYC Health + Hospitals.”
Surge in Overdose Deaths Post-Pandemic
Fatal overdoses in New York City have more than doubled since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating from 1,452 deaths in 2018 to 3,046 deaths in 2023, according to citywide data. This alarming trend highlights the urgency of effective intervention programs.
Bronx Faces Highest Overdose Rate
The Bronx currently experiences the highest rate of opioid overdose deaths in the city. Health officials emphasize that individuals who have survived a nonfatal overdose are at a heightened risk of future fatal overdose events, underscoring the critical need for proactive and sustained support.
Collaborative Effort to Combat Opioid Crisis
“The Staten Island PPS is pleased to collaborate with the dedicated professionals at NYC Health + Hospitals in implementing the Hotspotting Program,” remarked Joseph Conte, executive director of the Staten Island Performing Provider System (SIPPS).
Focus on High-Need Communities
Conte emphasized that the opioid crisis disproportionately affects Black and Latino communities, such as the South Bronx, making targeted interventions like the Hotspotting program essential for addressing health disparities and saving lives in these areas.
Proactive Approach to Save Lives
“There remains a crucial demand for increased innovation and proactive methodologies to preserve lives; this principle embodies the essence of the Hotspotting approach,” Conte affirmed.
Lincoln Hospital Ready to Implement Program
Lincoln Hospital is prepared and enthusiastic to initiate the new addiction treatment program, recognizing its potential to significantly improve patient outcomes in the community.
Ensuring Continuity of Care
“Our Hotspotting program will ensure continuity of care as patients transition from the hospital environment into the community setting. This will facilitate sustained connection to healthcare and critical addiction services,” stated Dr. Daniel Schatz, medical director of substance use disorder services within NYC Health + Hospitals’ office of behavioral health.