WXXI News Coverage of Overdose Epidemic Reports On-Demand
Public media stations across New York state are focusing on the overdose crisis with a year-long multi-platform campaign, including news coverage. Funding for this program is provided in part by the New York State Education Department. Watch the stories here on-demand
Local WXXI News Stories are included here:
ConnectionsDiscussing the current state of the opioid epidemic, both locally and nationallyEvan Dawson, June 24, 2024In the first hour of “Connections with Evan Dawson” on Monday, June 24, 2024, we talk with experts about the opioid crisis and where it stands locally and nationally.LISTEN • 51:27
Local News Bello address focuses on opioids, housing, and mental health, June 3, 2024 The Monroe County executive also said that the first county-owned emergency housing facility should open this summer. LISTEN • 1:13
Local News: Fatal opioid and cocaine overdoses on the rise in Monroe County, November 30, 2023 The county has released its 2022 Overdose Fatalities Report and it shows that a record number of people died from opioid overdoses.
Local News: Every public city building to stock Narcan, November 9, 2023 All buildings owned by the city and accessible to the public will carry the opioid-reversal drug naloxone, under a bill introduced by Mayor Malik Evans and Council President Miguel Melendez.
Local News: Monroe County lawmakers move to tighten laws on pawnshops and similar businesses, August 22, 2023 Almost every county legislator has signed on as a sponsor of the legislation, virtually assuring that it will pass.
Local News: Fentanyl killed their daughter. Now this couple is trying to prevent the next tragedy, July 17, 2023 Officials say fentanyl overdoses are the fastest growing cause of death among young people aged 14 to 23. One Pittsford couple hopes their story can make a difference.
Local News: Local recovery experts have mixed feelings about over the counter Narcan, March 30, 2023 Some local recovery experts are reacting to the FDA’s decision this week to approve over-the-counter sales for the overdose reversal drug Narcan.
Local News: Harm reduction is the goal of this drug use hotline. Experts say it works, March 21, 2023 Volunteers at the Never Use Alone hotline wait on the phone while callers use drugs, in case they need someone to call for an ambulance. LISTEN • 4:04
Local News: Stigma, barriers to care put pregnant people, new parents with opioid use disorder at risk, March 2, 2023The number of pregnant people or postpartum parents in the U.S. who died from an opioid overdose grew by 81% in the past six years, according to a recent study. It’s a significant increase compared to other people who use opioids.LISTEN • 5:07
Local News: Harm reduction strategy aims to save lives, one Narcan box at a time, February 17, 2023 The overdose crisis continues to be felt locally. To combat this epidemic, Monroe County has implemented various harm reduction strategies, which includes NaloxBoxes.
Local News Forum: New York State Public Media Special Report: ‘COVID-19 and the Overdose Epidemic’ , At 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, WXXI hosts a statewide discussion on how the pandemic and the response have exacerbated New York’s overdose epidemic.
Local News: Providers working to combat opioid and overdose crisis can apply for state funding, February 13, 2023 Gov. Kathy Hochul said last week that the state will provide almost $9 million for outpatient treatment programs to combat the statewide opioid and overdose crisis.
Local News: New opioid data dashboard will be used to develop strategy to address crisis in Monroe County, January 20, 2023 Monroe County officials say that an opioid data dashboard they introduced Friday will provide government agencies, law enforcement, health care systems, and advocacy groups with more timely data to help fight the opioid epidemic.
Local News: Monroe County among locations chosen for new opioid crisis campaign launch, October 21, 2022 A nationwide campaign to fight the overdose crisis has selected Monroe County as one of the locations to help jump-start its initiatives.
Local News: Monroe County launches new campaign to address fentanyl overdose crisis, July 21, 2022 Local health and community leaders gathered on Thursday to announce additional efforts to help fight the opioid crisis.
Connections with Evan Dawson Live Talk Show Podcasts from WXXI News
December 15, 2023 Podcast: Discussing the state of overdoses in Monroe County and how to curb the local opioid crisis
November 6, 2023 Podcast: Matthew Perry, opioids, and what states can do about the opioid epidemic
May 24, 2023 Podcast: Former Biden administration official Robert Kent on addressing the overdose crisis
March 13 2023 Podcast: Avi Israel on the overdose epidemic and his family’s story
February 15, 2023 Podcast: Fentanyl 101
January 17, 2023 Podcast: How a local coffee shop is helping people in recovery
December 13, 2022 Podcast: Previewing the film, “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,” and discussing what fuels the opioid epidemic
Connections with Evan Dawson Talk Show from 2/15/23 Listen to the Fentanyl 101 Podcast
This program is part of the New York State Public Media Overdose Epidemic, an initiative funded by the New York State Education Department that has called on NYS public media organizations to create a multi-platform project to help address mental health and addiction throughout the state. The project includes broadcast offerings, online content, and special events, like this screening. The NYS stations will also work to create comprehensive digital teaching tools, online learning, and essential instructional content.
