New York City’s two government-funded facilities, designed to prevent fatal drug overdoses, have come under scrutiny as at least 46 individuals have been rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The nonprofit organization, OnPoint, which operates these facilities in Harlem and Washington Heights, has been criticized for not tracking the outcomes of these emergency cases.
The city’s Health Department, which supervises the two facilities, defended OnPoint, stating that hospitals do not disclose the results of emergency medical services (EMS) calls to private individuals who dial 911. The department emphasized the importance of such programs, stating that they not only connect thousands of people to essential medical care but also save lives.
However, the number of overdoses at these centers has increased by 7%, from 636 to 683, between their first and second years of operation, according to OnPoint’s latest annual report. The report also revealed that the centers saw a 26% increase in visits, with 3,156 individuals visiting the centers 61,184 times in 2023.
The report also showed an increase in repeat visitors, with 177 clients visiting more than once a day in 2023, a 108% increase from 77 in 2022. OnPoint highlighted these figures as significant successes in its annual report.
The most commonly used drug at OnPoint facilities was crack, smoked 56,175 times over two years, followed by heroin and cocaine. The use of speedballs, a dangerous combination of heroin and cocaine, more than doubled at the Washington Heights location from 19% to 44% between the first and second years. In Harlem, the increase was more modest, from 5% to 7%.
Critics argue that these centers perpetuate drug addiction rather than promoting recovery. Charles Lehman, a public policy expert at the Manhattan Institute, criticized the lack of outcome measures, suggesting that the results would not be favorable.
The report also noted that 14% of patients received services related to buprenorphine, a treatment for opioid addiction. However, it did not specify how many patients agreed to receive treatment, leading to further criticism from Lehman.
Residents have expressed concerns about drug use and dealing spilling into the surrounding streets. In 2024, OnPoint received more than $15.9 million in taxpayer funds, making up the majority of its $17.4 million revenue.
In August, Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor hinted at plans to possibly shut down the city’s two facilities, which are illegal under federal law. However, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has advocated for more such facilities, but later reversed his stance, stating he would maintain the current sites but not expand the program further.
OnPoint defended its lack of patient tracking, citing privacy laws. The organization insisted that when EMTs were called, it was for precautionary health reasons unrelated to an overdose.