The Bronx faces a serious and growing opioid crisis. We see its consequences in the rates of addiction, overdoses, and deaths across the borough. This is a complex health, economic, and social issue with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and our communities. The growing number of overdoses and deaths caused by opioids, including fentanyl, has become a city-wide and national concern.
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Solutions must be compassionate, collaborative, and inclusive of the entire community. We must urgently address both the immediate crisis of overdose and death as well as root causes.
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To this end, Acacia Network in partnership with the Third Avenue Business Improvement District and New York City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, Jr. established the Bronx Opioid Collective Impact Project. The Collective is hosting the first Bronx Opioid Community Summit, bringing together a broad range of speakers and participants for a highly interactive, community-based dialogue to identify, address, and reduce the harms related to opioids in the Bronx. The desired outcome of the Summit is a Joint Statement of Action to Address the Opioid Crisis with a prioritized set of recommendations.
The Collective Impact Project will convene Opioid Solution Work Groups responsible for implementing the Statement of Action and consistently communicating results and resources.
The Collective Impact Project is committed to a comprehensive approach to the Bronx opioid crisis. Members represent over 20 organizations including health care, substance abuse treatment, harm reduction, businesses, housing, education, NYC Department of Health and Mental Health, Bronx District Attorney, public safety, managed care, Bronx Partners for Healthy Communities, National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), Public Health Solutions, New York Community Trust, New York Academy of Medicine, elected officials, and other community stakeholders. The workgroups focus on short and long term strategies related to prevention and education, access to care, and community engagement and advocacy. Â
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