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For the first time since 2020, overdoses are finally on a decline. In Brooklyn however, the numbers are still frightening. There were 24 fewer overdose deaths in New York City in 2023, but in East New York, the city’s health department says the neighborhood has the sixth highest rate in the city. That rate being 65 overdose deaths, per 100,000 residents. Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights also have one of the highest rates across the city. Last year, nearly 700 Brooklyn residents lost their lives to drugs. A big contributor to those deaths is Fentanyl. It was found in 80% of all overdoses across the city. It is important to note that even though citywide, we did see a decrease in overdoses from 2022, we are still seeing higher numbers now than we were, even just in 2021.
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