Per the notice below, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is holding a free virtual New York State Overdose Awareness Day event.

New York State Department of Health Announces Fifth Annual New York State Overdose Awareness Day Event

Registration is Free and Anyone May Attend the Virtual Event

This Year's Theme: "Recognize, Reflect and Reach"

Event Demonstrates Commitment to Ending the Drug Overdose Epidemic

Harm Reduction Peer Workers to be Honored Through Video Testimonials

The New York State Department of Health will hold its fifth annual New York State Overdose Awareness Day virtual event on September 10.  The statewide event honors people who have died of a drug overdose and recognizes harm reduction service providers who strive to reduce drug-related sigma and promote linkage to care.  This year's theme is, "Recognize, Reflect and Reach."

"While we memorialize the loved ones, family, friends and community members we have lost to the drug overdose epidemic, we also honor the dedicated members of the harm reduction community who commit their lives to ending the overdose crisis," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.  "This year's theme is a fitting reminder that in order to turn the tide of this tragic epidemic we must recognize the people and programs advancing harm reduction, reflect on the lives lost and reach toward a more compassionate and equitable future for all."

The annual virtual event, organized by the State Department of Health's AIDS Institute Office of Drug User Health, will take place on Wednesday, September 10, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The event is free and anyone may attend.  A social media tool kit is also being provided for individuals and organizations to use to raise awareness about overdose prevention.  This year's event will recognize the work of dedicated harm reduction peer workers to acknowledge the historic role peer workers have played in addressing the overdose crisis.  Peer workers are individuals with lived or living experiences with substance use who are employed or volunteer to support others who use drugs.  Their unique expertise and perspective enable them to build relationships and trust among people who are harder to reach through traditional harm reduction methods.  These peer workers will be featured through video testimonials that will be shared across social media channels to recognize their dedication and impact in addressing the overdose epidemic in New York State.

Videos featuring peer worker testimonials include the following:

• Recognizing Harm Reduction Peer Workers: Ivette Chaves
• Recognizing Harm Reduction Peer Workers: Terrell Jones

Substance use policy expert and Senior Policy Advisor to the Commissioner of Health Dr. David Holtgrave will deliver opening remarks.  Following opening remarks by Dr. Holtgrave, State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Chair of the Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorder Committee, will speak to the importance of raising awareness and the shared commitment to an equitable approach to eliminating overdose deaths in New York State.

State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Chair of the Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorder Committee said, "On Overdose Awareness Day, we honor those we have lost, lift up the families left behind, and reaffirm our commitment to prevention, compassion, and recovery.  As Chair of the Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders Committee, I will continue to pass legislation and fight for funding to protect our most vulnerable and reduce the tragic number of overdose deaths New Yorkers suffer each year.  These efforts must also place equity at the center, because Black and Brown New Yorkers are dying at more than twice the rate of their White neighbors.  Justice requires that our response reflect this reality."

During this year's event, there will also be a commemoration to honor the individuals and programs who work together to ensure the state continues to move in the right direction to end the overdose epidemic while addressing stigma and promoting the health and well-being of all, building on a foundation of health equity.  These efforts include prioritizing and elevating harm reduction services and practices.  Each year the State kicks off activities related to International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 by illuminating state landmarks and historic bridges in purple in a show of support and solidarity.  New York State has made great strides in reducing overdose deaths overall following years of observed increases — as evidenced by predicted estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — from 6,550 individuals (nearly 18 people each day) in 2023 to 4,719 individuals (nearly 13 people each day) in 2024.  This represents a 28 percent decrease in the number of drug overdose deaths.  The data is encouraging and a testament to the countless communities, organizations, and programs that are focused on reducing drug overdoses and the harmful impacts of substance use disorder.  New York State's historic investments and the institution of innovative programs have been important in contributing to addressing the opioid and overdose epidemic and bringing new services to all areas of the state.  The gains observed in recent years are an encouraging sign, however 2025 remains a pivotal year for addressing drug fatalities in New York.  The overdose epidemic continues to impact every community across New York State and overdose deaths remain at record highs.  The State Department of Health remains committed to continuing its work to reach high-burden communities that are not experiencing these reductions equally.  Overdose awareness information, including substance use disorder educational resources, can be found here.  Available information on how to locate a harm reduction program, become an opioid overdose prevention program, or access buprenorphine through the Buprenorphine Assistance Program (Bupe-AP) can be found on the Office of Drug User Health website.