International Overdose Awareness Day Recognized

WHITE PLAINS – Standing together outside the White Plains Public Library, the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) formally recognized International Overdose Awareness Day. International Overdose Awareness Day is observed in more than 40 countries as a time to raise awareness about overdose, reduce stigma, and remember lives that have been lost. By raising awareness, mental health professionals hope to communicate that overdose can be prevented, and that harm and death do not have to be the outcome of overdose.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “In Westchester County, we are committed to supporting prevention, recovery and treatment services to reduce the number of overdoses happening in our communities. Whether it is gaining awareness of our 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or educating people on how to use Narcan, we want everyone to know that there is hope and there is help for those who struggle with addiction. I am proud of our Department of Community Mental Health and our Overdose Prevention Initiative (ORI) committee, for the work they do to identify critical programs that encourage people to seek assistance, and work to end the stigmas surrounding overdose.”

DCMH Commissioner Michael Orth said, “Understanding more about addiction and knowing about the treatments available helps to mitigate the risk of overdose. Working to end the stigma associated with dependence goes a long way in encouraging those in need to seek help. We mark Overdose Awareness Day as a day of reflection and draw attention to the pain it can cause to individuals and families. I want to thank our County Executive Ken Jenkins for his continued support of the efforts to provide services to the people of Westchester who face these challenges every day.”

The event was attended by local elected officials, representatives from key organizations and advocacy groups, as well as residents and families who shared stories of recovery and healing. Information was also shared about resources and recovery programs available to Westchester County residents.