The advanced multimedia class at New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute spent fifteen weeks reporting on the opioid crisis in New York City. We explored the epidemic through the lens of communities of color living in Upper Manhattan. These communities have been dealing with the crisis for decades, despite limited media coverage.

Drug policy has seen a dramatic change in approach since the height of the crack epidemic that ravaged these neighborhoods during the late 20th century. Under Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr.’s tenure, the opioid crisis is shifting from being a law enforcement to a public health issue.

Uncover the different stories we documented from the opioid crisis in New York City during the fall of 2018 below:

An audio piece explores the effects of the opioid crisis on the community of Washington Heights through the opposing voices of a user and a resident.

A visual portrait reveals the story of Malik, a father of four recovering from opioid use disorder.

A video short shares the perspectives of local businesses to the presence of a supervised injection site in a commercial and highly-trafficked intersection of Washington Heights. 

And finally, a profile delves into the story of how a mother deals with opioid use disorder during and after pregnancy.