Buffalo City’s Office of Health Resources (OHR) has made significant strides in combating the opioid crisis, reporting nearly 600 outreach events since June 2024, with over 500 held within the city. The outreach team, composed of peers and public health staff, has focused on areas with high drug use and overdose reports, distributing harm reduction supplies and encouraging treatment.

Key achievements include the distribution of over 10,000 naloxone kits, nearly 15,000 fentanyl test strips, and almost 11,000 xylazine test strips. These efforts have contributed to a notable decline in overdose-related deaths, which peaked in 2023. In May 2025, the city reported 96 overdose deaths, with the majority linked to fentanyl, either alone or in combination with cocaine.

Despite the positive trends, officials highlighted ongoing challenges, particularly the disproportionate impact of overdose deaths on Black residents and older adults in Erie County. The nature of the opioid epidemic continues to evolve, prompting the OHR to adapt its strategies to meet these changing dynamics.

During the meeting, discussions emphasized the importance of harm reduction and the need for continued community engagement. Officials acknowledged that while progress has been made, the fight against overdoses remains critical, and Erie County is committed to enhancing its outreach and support services.

As the city moves forward, the focus will remain on addressing the root causes of the opioid crisis and ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to the areas most affected. The OHR is dedicated to maintaining its outreach efforts and fostering connections to treatment services as long as the community faces these challenges.