Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics overdose deaths in New York increased 14 percent in 2021 compared to the previous year, according to a report released October 17, by the state Department of Health. The data released as part of a quarterly update from public health officials on opioid usage and deaths statewide comes as the state continues to grapple with a sharp rise in overdose fatalities. The increase coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report also found a 2 percent rise in hospitalizations due to opioid overdoses and a 7 percent rise in opioid overdoses that do not involve heroin. Overdose deaths are also on the rise across the country as fentanyl usage has spread. Emergency room visits have also sharply increased by 24 percent, health data show. All told, 2,630 overdoses of heroin, opioids and other drugs were recorded outside of New York City in the state last year. In August, state Health Commissioner Mary Bassett ordered pharmacies to carry naloxone, for use to counter the effects of an overdose and help a person resume normal breathing. More than 30,000 administrations of naloxone have been made in New York through September 6. Read more at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.