A MULTIFACETED EFFORT TO TACKLE THE OPIOID CRISIS AT THE HUB AND BEYOND
Click here for photos
Bronx, NY – Today, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, joined by key partners including the Third Avenue Business Improvement District (BID), the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction, Samaritan Daytop Village, and Bronx Community Board 1, announced a new initiative aimed at combatting the opioid epidemic devastating the Bronx. The initiative, titled Recovering Together, will focus on Informing, Investing, and Intervening to fight the opioid crisis in our communities.
Borough President Gibson and advocates are calling for a multi-pronged approach that includes expanded support services, improved access to treatment, and reinvestment of city funds into neighborhoods most impacted by opioid misuse, particularly in high-risk areas like the Hub, where opioid usage has reached concerning levels.
The Bronx currently leads New York City in opioid-related fatalities, with the borough’s overdose rate nearly double that of the next-highest borough. In response, Borough President Gibson is urging swift action to enhance community-based programs, expand treatment options, and significantly increase investment in overdose prevention efforts.
“This initiative is a critical step toward addressing the opioid crisis that has devastated so many families and communities in the Bronx,” said Borough President Gibson. “We need to take action to save lives, create new support systems, and ensure that recovery is not just possible, but accessible for everyone who needs it. It’s time to invest in our neighborhoods and ensure that resources are directed where they are needed the most.”
“On behalf of the Third Avenue BID, I look forward to working with the Borough President and other local stakeholders on making sure there is continued investment in the HUB and South Bronx in general. Our commercial revitalization work with her office and BXEDC is a necessary part of our vision. Economic development is ultimately about ensuring that communities have the resources to reach their potential.” said Pedro Suarez, Executive Director, Third Avenue BID.
The Recovering Together initiative will bring together healthcare providers, local organizations, and elected officials to collaborate on strategies that address opioid misuse and provide life-saving support to those in need.
Inform:
To empower communities with the tools they need to prevent opioid overdoses, the Borough President’s office will partner with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and local service providers to offer Narcan training sessions. These sessions will take place in neighborhoods hardest hit by opioid fatalities, starting in the Hub and expanding to other high-need zip codes. By equipping residents, businesses, and community leaders with this life-saving knowledge, we aim to reduce overdose deaths and help prevent future tragedies.
Invest:
As part of the initiative, Borough President Gibson is calling for a portion of the Opioid Settlement Fund to be allocated directly to communities that have experienced the highest rates of opioid-related fatalities. Last week, she testified before the City Council urging the release of these funds to support the creation of a drop-in center in the Hub and to provide additional resources to service providers helping individuals struggling with addiction. This investment is vital to ensuring that every community has the support needed for recovery.
Intervene:
In addition to health-focused interventions, Borough President Gibson is committed to revitalizing the borough’s commercial corridors as part of the broader recovery effort. Through collaboration with the Bronx Economic Development Corporation and the Third Avenue BID, funding has been approved by the New York Department of State for crucial improvements, including security cameras, façade enhancements, and street lighting upgrades. These projects are designed to restore a sense of safety and pride in our neighborhoods, supporting both community recovery and economic revitalization.
“We can’t heal our communities without addressing both the immediate public health needs and the long-term revitalization of the spaces where people live, work, and raise their families,” said Borough President Gibson. “Our commitment to revitalizing the Bronx’s commercial corridors is integral to the broader goal of creating a safe, supportive environment where our residents can not only survive but thrive.”
“Now is the time to act. The Bronx is ready to own the challenges we face with rising overdose rates by owning the solutions that are right here in our borough. Scaling up existing comprehensive, low threshold, wrap-around harm reduction services is crucial to offering our community safety, empathy, and mercy. We need to do everything we can to secure the necessary resources to meet the demand and above all, to save lives.” said Steven Hernandez, Chief of Staff, St Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction.
“The Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant represents a major investment for the future of Third Ave and its commercial corridor. Thank you to the Bronx Borough President and our elected leaders that worked together to address the concerns community had around safety and quality of life. Third Ave BID, Empire State Development along with BXEDC worked together to ensure this funding remained in the Bronx. This critical funding will go to Third Ave to improve street lighting, install security cameras, add public art displays as well as provide general funding to enhance the overall streetscape. This investment will take us one step closer to addressing many of the concerns our community has had around public safety, while making Third Ave more attractive for businesses and residents alike. This initiative will strengthen our local businesses while protecting our Bronxites so we can drive economic growth back into the heart of this Hub.” said Ruvi Lopez, Director of the Empowerment Zone, BXEDC.
“Borough President Gibson’s Recovering Together initiative is just the solution we need to address the opioid epidemic that’s taken root at The Hub and beyond in the Bronx,” said Mitchell Netburn, President and CEO of Samaritan Daytop Village. “Samaritan Daytop Village has expanded our lifesaving and addiction recovery services in the neighborhood through our Richard Pruss Wellness Center and we are ready to do even more in partnership with the Borough President to support all residents of The Bronx and save lives.”
Recovering Together is an ongoing, multifaceted effort that will involve collaboration at every level—from local service providers to city agencies and community leaders—working together to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against the opioid epidemic. This announcement comes three months after the Borough President announced a $6 million investment in Lincoln Hospital to support clients and families impacted by substance abuse.