Press Release

As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 – more commonly referred to as COVID-19 – continues to sweep across our country and particularly in our home borough of Queens, we must keep in mind that another epidemic was already on the rise and is still one of the greatest public health threats facing this generation. Opioid addiction has led to an increase in overdoses, and the numbers have not subsided during this pandemic. In just 5 months, Queens County has had a 56 percent increase in overdose deaths compared to 2019.

Opioids are extremely deadly, particularly when illicitly manufactured with fentanyl and fentanyl analogs and derivatives. In 2018, Queens County registered 251 overdose deaths; in 2019, there were 265 overdoses. Of those 265 deaths last year, 155 were from fentanyl or fentanyl analogs and derivatives. For 2020, thus far, we have had 86 suspected overdoses in Queens. Overall, our nation is still in the grips of an overdose epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2018 alone, there were over 67,000 deaths involving opioids in the U.S.

District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “We are living through an extraordinary time. We are fighting battles no one would have expected, but still we push forward with hope and unrelenting resolve to succeed. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has made the opioid epidemic even worst for those fighting for their sobriety.”

Still, though, during this time, there are avenues to help those fighting to stay drug free. The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) updated its outpatient treatment programs to maximize the use of telehealth services with additional guidelines on in-person interactions. In collaboration, both OASAS and the NYC Department of Health have rolled out a methadone delivery program for patients with COVID-19.

Below you’ll find a list of treatment programs available to help those in need of assistance.

Queens County Opioid Treatment Resources

 

Addiction Treatment Centers:                                           

 

Samaritan Daytop Village

88-83 Van Wyck Expressway

Jamaica, New York 11435

(718) 657-6195

 

Elmcor Youth & Adult Service, Inc.

107-20 Northern Blvd

Corona, New York 11368

(718) 651-0096

 

J-CAP Inc.

10733 Sutphin Blvd.

Jamaica, New York 11435

(718) 322-2500

 

Medical Detox

Cornerstone of Medical Arts

159-05 Union Tpke

Fresh Meadows, New York 11366

1-800-233-9999

 

Flushing Hospital

4500 Parsons Blvd

Queens, New York 11355

(718) 670-5000

 

Phoenix House Parkside

3425 Vernon Blvd

Long Island City, New York 11106

1-844-815-1508

 

 

Harm Reduction Services:                                                  

           

AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC)

89-74 162^nd Street

Jamaica, New York 11432

(718) 896-2500

 

Dept. of Health and Hygiene

Harm Reduction Coalition

(212) 213-6376

                                                                                   

 

New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS)

24/7 HOPEline 1877-8HOPENY    

 

Medication Addiction Treatment (MAT)

Far Rockaway Treatment Center

1600 Central Ave.

Far Rockaway, New York 11691

(718) 868-1400

 

Narco Freedom-Bridge Plaza

18-34^th Street

Long Island City, New York 11101

(718) 786-3474