Heroin Deaths On rise In NYC, fitness branch Calls It ‘Epidemic’

new york (CBSNewYork) — Drug use in the city is becoming more and more lethal, according to facts released through the branch of health and intellectual Hygiene.

"We feel this is a virulent disease," stated Assistant fitness Commissioner Dr. Hillary Kunins.

The numbers are startling, WCBS 880's Peter Haskell said. during the last 5 years, overdose deaths are up 66 percent and heroin deaths have jumped 158 p.c.

"There's been increased in opioid analgesics or prescription painkillers – each the volume of prescribing, the volume of americans uncovered to these prescription painkillers," Kunins said. "And we recognize these are dangerous medication."

The city is spending $25 million over the subsequent three years to try to stem the tide.