Overdose Epidemic

Some local recovery experts are reacting to the FDA’s decision this week to approve over-the-counter sales for the overdose reversal drug Narcan.

Volunteers at the Never Use Alone hotline wait on the phone while callers use drugs, in case they need someone to call for an ambulance.

In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, March 13, 2023, we talk with Avi Israel, founder of Save the Michaels of the World. He founded the non-profit following the death of his son, Michael, who took his own life he was not able to access treatment for an addiction to opioids.

The number of pregnant people or postpartum parents in the U.S. who died from an opioid overdose grew by 81% in the past six years, according to a recent study. It's a significant increase compared to other people who use opioids.

The overdose crisis continues to be felt locally. To combat this epidemic, Monroe County has implemented various harm reduction strategies, which includes NaloxBoxes.

At 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, WXXI hosts a statewide discussion on how the pandemic and the response have exacerbated New York's overdose epidemic.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said last week that the state will provide almost $9 million for outpatient treatment programs to combat the statewide opioid and overdose crisis.

Monroe County officials say that an opioid data dashboard they introduced Friday will provide government agencies, law enforcement, health care systems, and advocacy groups with more timely data to help fight the opioid epidemic.

In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, we're joined by leaders and staff and Coffee Connection to discuss their work, their stories, and what they'd like to see when it comes to broader efforts to help people in recovery.

In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, guests discuss the opioid epidemic and preview the film, "All the Beauty and the Bloodshed."