NEW YORK CITY -- Tuesday, August 16, 2005 -- Working with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is investigating the deaths of six New Yorkers from heroin or other drug use. The six victims -- three males, two females and another yet to be identified -- were all found unconscious or deceased in the East Village and West Village sections of Manhattan between Wednesday, August 10 and Monday, August 15. Heroin is a dangerous, highly addictive drug: it is estimated that about 700 people die each year from opioid overdoses, including overdoses from heroin.

DOHMH has issued a health alert to area hospitals asking them to immediately report any cases of heroin or illegal drug overdose to the New York City Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 or (212) POISONS. The Health Department is also reaching out to community organizations, including syringe exchange programs (SEP's) and substance abuse treatment centers, to help identify and inform people who may be at risk from dangers related to illegal drug use.

Treatment programs also provide information about overdose prevention and life-saving medications such as buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid addiction. In addition, the Harm Reduction Coalition (212-213-6376; http://www.harmreduction.org) offers assistance in reducing the harm that drugs cause, including the risk of overdose.

DOHMH Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH said, "Heroin is a highly addictive, dangerous and sometimes fatal drug. Sometimes it can be contaminated with other dangerous substances. Heroin use by itself or taken along with sedatives or alcohol can also result in overdose or death. Doctors and other medical providers should also be on the lookout for similar cases and report them immediately to the Poison Control Center."

Dr. Frieden continued, "Heroin addiction endangers life, destroys families, and can contribute to the spread of disease. There are safe, convenient and effective treatments for heroin addiction, including buprenorphine (Soboxone), a safe medicine with a low potential for abuse. I urge anyone using heroin or other illegal substances to get help by calling 1 (800) LIFENET 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."

NYPD Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said, "Anytime someone chooses to use illegal drugs there is a massive risk involved. This latest threat underscores once again just how serious that risk can be."

1(800) LIFENET (1-800-543-3638) is available in English, Spanish (1-877-AYUDESE or 1-877-298-3373), and Chinese (1-877-990-8585). Interpretation services are also available for other languages through LIFENET. The TTY number for LIFENET is (212) 982-5284.

More information on heroin abuse and addiction is also available on the Health Department's website at http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/basas/heroin.shtml.