Health Department launches new campaign to promote Naloxone, prevent opioid deaths

The Health Department on Monday, December 12 announced the “Save a Life, Carry Naloxone” campaign, the first phase of a $3 million public education effort to counter opioid overdose deaths across the five boroughs.

The campaign – heavily funded through ThriveNYC, a road-map for mental health spearheaded by First Lady Chirlane McCray – will use advertising to focus on reducing overdose deaths, raising awareness about the life-saving drug naloxone and promoting effective treatment for opioid use disorders.

“Opioid misuse is a disease that afflicts an increasing number of New Yorkers,” said McCray. “As part of ThriveNYC, we have expanded access to naloxone, which can save lives after opioid overdose and is available to anyone without a prescription at 700 pharmacies, in every borough of our city. We are also expanding access to buprenorphine, a medication that stops opioid cravings and prevents withdrawal symptoms, so people can get help before an overdose. We are working hard to close treatment gaps so that New Yorkers get the help they need to live free of opioid misuse.”

The “Save a Life” ads will launch next week on digital and social media platforms, as well as in local newspapers, convenience stores, nail salons, hair salons, barbershops and Staten Island Ferry terminals.

For more information about opioid overdose prevention, naloxone and treatment services, search “prevent overdose” at nyc.gov.