New York, September 4, 2025
Dr. Nzinga Harrison joined CBS News New York to weigh in on NYC’s proposal to limit new liquor store permits in high-need neighborhoods and why reducing access is one of the most overlooked tools in substance use prevention.
When New York City floated a proposal to cap the number of new liquor stores allowed in certain neighborhoods, CBS News New York turned to Eleanor Health co-founder Dr. Nzinga Harrison to explain the public health thinking behind it.
Her take: this isn’t about restriction for its own sake. It’s about reducing friction points that make substance use easier to slip into and harder to step back from.
“Those are proven public health interventions. Decreasing access makes it harder to use whatever it is.”
— Dr. Nzinga Harrison, Eleanor Health
It’s a simple idea with real evidence behind it: environment shapes behavior. The same principle that guides city policy is one Eleanor Health builds into care every day, meeting people where they are, and making the path to support easier than the path to relapse.
Watch the full segment on CBS News →
About Eleanor Health
Media Contact: marketing@eleanorhealth.com
Eleanor Health delivers comprehensive, evidence-based care for individuals affected by substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and mental health conditions. With a whole-person, trauma-informed approach, Eleanor Health is committed to improving the lives of its members, their families, and their communities.
