Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, District Attorney David Hoovler and Sheriff Carl E. DuBois and Commissioner of Mental Health and Social Services Darcie Miller recognized International Overdose Awareness Day on Friday, August 31st.
“International Overdose Awareness Day gives us all the opportunity to address head on the serious and pervasive issue of drug and heroin abuse,” Neuhaus said. “Addiction not only affects the individuals taking the drug, but also impact their family and friends. This year’s theme “Time to Remember, Time to Act”, reinforces my administration’s message that, in collaboration with our community partners, we will continue to offer treatment to people who are addicted and assistance to their loved ones as well.
International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized throughout the world every August 31st. It aims to raise awareness about overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related death. International Overdose Awareness Day also acknowledges those who have lost a loved one due to drug overdose, while spreading the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.
“Unfortunately, overdoses are no longer news because they happen so frequently,” DuBois said. “One way the media can perform a true public service is to keep the overdose epidemic as part of its daily storyline, to avoid complacency and make sure that the public remains aware of the issue.”
Added Hoovler: “My office and our partners in law enforcement, along with our community partners, are working tirelessly to address overdoses, while bringing those who sell these substances to justice. International Overdose Awareness Day helps inform the public overdoses, so that they can protect themselves and their loved ones from these dangerous narcotics.”
Miller advised residents that help and support is available to those struggling with opioid addiction or abuse. Opioids include Morphine, Heroin, Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Vicodin, OxyContin, Norco and Percocet, among other drugs. Overdose can lead to a loss of alertness, unconsciousness and possibly death.
“Orange County is committed to working with all stakeholders to address the opioid epidemic from prevention through recovery,” Miller said. “For those who mourn and advocate on behalf of loved ones who have lost their battle with addiction, we hear you, grieve with you, and agree that one death is one too many.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, here are some of the available resources:
Orange County Department of Mental Health: 845-291-2600, www.co.orange.ny.us.
Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) of Orange County: 845-294-9000, www.adacinfo.com.
Mental Health Association of Orange County: 1-800-832-1200 (24 hours/7 days a week), www.mhorangeny.com.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK.
For more information about the signs and symptoms of abuse, go to combatheroin.ny.gov.
Free Narcan training is available in Orange County. Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is a medication that can potentially save a life. It reverses the effects of opioid medication, including extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, or loss of consciousness. For information about Narcan training, contact the County’s Department of Mental Health at 291-2600 or opioidresources@orangecountygov.com.
The State Department of Health’s N-CAP program assists with Narcan co-payments, making the drug available at low or no cost at local pharmacies. For more information about N-CAP, call 800-542-2437 or log onto www.health.ny.gov/overdose.
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