New York City Program Takes Controversial Approach to Opioid Crisis

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There's no single solution to the opioid crisis, but a New York City program is taking a controversial approach to fighting the epidemic.

It's called "harm reduction,” and it's not new. The non-punitive approach aims to reduce the harmful consequences of drug use. For some programs around the country that means giving access to sterile needles, and, in the case of The Washington Heights Corner Project, a bathroom where users can inject drugs knowing that if they overdose, someone will come to their aid.

Takeaway Producer Alexandra Botti takes us to Washington Heights, Manhattan, for a look at how it works. Click on the 'Listen' button above to hear the full report, and check out some photos from The Takeaway's visit below. 

Mark Townsend in The Washington Heights Corner Project. He is syringe access program director, and director of New York Harm Reduction Educators.

(Alexandra Botti/The Takeaway)

Jesse Reid, community engagement coordinator at The Washington Heights Corner Project, demonstrates how to give oxygen to someone overdosing on heroin.

(Alexandra Botti/The Takeaway)

Jesse Reid checks to see if a bin is filled with discarded syringes, at a park near The Washington Heights Corner Project.

(Alexandra Botti/The Takeaway)

Mark Townsend demonstrates how to test drugs for fentanyl. The Washington Heights Corner Project gives out the testing kits to participants and those in the community.

(Alexandra Botti/The Takeaway)

An impromptu memorial was set up at the Washington Heights Corner Project, for a participant of the program who died of an overdose the night before.

(The Washington Heights Corner Project)