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Too many deaths: NYC overdose fatalities must be lowered

On his way out the door, NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan left office with a hint of what could be hopeful news: Overdose deaths dipped ever so slightly in 2023 after years of climbing, a trend that has so far continued in 2024. His successor, interim Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse, must build on this momentum, because it is so far only a dent in a very worrying trend. Such deaths still exceed 3,000 a year, an unacceptably high number.

On his way out the door, NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan left office with a hint of what could be hopeful news: Overdose deaths dipped ever so slightly in 2023 after years of climbing, a trend that has so far continued in 2024. His successor, interim Commissioner Dr.

Michelle Morse, must build on this momentum, because it is so far only a dent in a very worrying trend. Such deaths still exceed 3,000 a year, an unacceptably high number..