STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- There have been 29 suspected overdoses on Staten Island in the last 24 days, according to District Attorney Michael McMahon's office.

Since July 17, there have been 13 suspected overdose fatalities and 16 "saves" using the overdose reversal drug naloxone, McMahon's office said.

The recent increase brings the total of suspected overdose fatalities to at least 70 and the number of naloxone saves to 128 so far in 2017.

"Staten Island is still in the grip of a deadly heroin and opioid epidemic that's killing our loved ones and neighborhoods every day," McMahon said in a statement.

McMahon is urging residents to keep a watchful eye and report illegal drug activity to his office or the NYPD.

"We will continue to investigate each tragic overdose to combat this plague on every level and save lives," he said.

There were 116 fatal overdoses on Staten Island in 2016, according to a report from the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene (DOHMH).

The rate for 2017 is on a tragic path to beat that total.

DA'S OFFICE LAUNCHES HELP WEBSITE

Last week, McMahon's office launched SIHope.org, a comprehensive informational website on where to find help for addiction or how to help others in their battle.

"This is a one-stop shop for those battling addiction, know somebody who is or those who want to help," McMahon said. "It's not a silver bullet, but it will go a long way in getting people help."

CO-PAY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR NALOXONE

The district attorney's statement follows Gov. Andrew Cuomo's announcement of the Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program.

Starting Aug. 9, New York will be the first state in the nation to provide no-cost or lower-cost naloxone at pharmacies across the state.

Individuals who have prescription health coverage will receive up to $40 in co-payment assistance, reducing the cost of making the life-saving medication free. People who have prescription coverage through Medicaid and Medicare are also eligible for assistance.

"This first-in-the-nation program will help put this lifesaving treatment in more hands and is one more prong in this administration's efforts to battle heroin and opioid abuse," Cuomo said. "This is one more step toward a stronger, healthier New York for all."