NYC delivering methadone to addicts with coronavirus
New York Metropolis well being employees have begun delivering free methadone to opioid addicts amid the coronavirus disaster — sparking outrage from officers who referred to as it “disgusting” and a “recipe for catastrophe.”
This system was introduced Tuesday by town’s Well being Division, which stated it started with a “mushy launch” final month and was increasing the initiative by reducing the age of eligibility from 65 to 50.
“Methadone is a life-saving treatment,” Well being Commissioner Oxiris Barbot stated in a ready assertion.
“New Yorkers who take methadone and get sick from COVID-19 shouldn’t have to decide on between getting their treatment and defending their well being or the well being of others.”
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Federal rules beforehand barred dwelling supply of methadone, however the COVID-19 pandemic led to an emergency loosening of the foundations for addicts who’ve examined optimistic for the illness, present signs or are at excessive danger in the event that they get contaminated, the Well being Division stated.
Groups of two employees every have been specifically educated and will probably be outfitted with masks, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to securely make about 1,300 curbside deliveries a month to addicts’ properties and taxpayer-funded inns, the Well being Division stated.
Individuals will obtain no less than seven days’ price of methadone, an oral ache reliever that’s used to forestall withdrawal signs in addicts who’re enrolled in remedy packages.
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