Landmarks across New York State will be illuminated in purple to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The lighting is intended to honor those who have died from overdoses, recognize the grief of their families and friends, and signal continued support for people dealing with substance use disorder.
“Like many New Yorkers, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the overdose epidemic,” Governor Hochul said. “On International Overdose Awareness Day, we reflect on the lives lost to addiction and offer our support to those who continue to struggle. I will continue to fight for New Yorkers and provide the resources and services needed to turn the tide of this crisis.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald added, “The overdose epidemic is a public health crisis that has taken the lives of far too many family members, friends, loved ones and community members in New York State and beyond. On International Overdose Awareness Day, we must pause and take a moment to honor those we lost, while reaffirming our commitment to saving lives by establishing a compassionate health care system free of stigma and by advancing innovative harm reduction strategies. Together with our state and local partners – and with the unwavering commitment of New York’s vital community-based organizations – we remain dedicated to our shared mission of achieving an overdose-free generation.”
Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, Commissioner of the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), stated: “International Overdose Awareness Day is an important observance, and serves as a reminder of the impact the overdose epidemic has had on individuals, families, and entire communities across New York State. It also gives us a chance to recognize those who have lost their lives, or lost a friend or family member, and show our support for them as we come together to stop more overdose deaths. Through a series of coordinated efforts, we are seeing significant progress in reducing overdose deaths here in New York, and we will continue to work tirelessly to use all available resources and bring these numbers down even further.”
Recent data indicates that predicted drug overdose deaths in New York declined from 6,550 people in 2023 (about 18 per day) to 4,719 people in 2024 (about 13 per day), according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks an estimated 28 percent decrease statewide.
Despite these improvements overall—credited in part to new programs funded by state investments—overdose rates remain high in some regions such as Western New York (38.5 deaths per 100,000 population) while Metropolitan Area counties saw higher total fatalities during 2023.
To address ongoing disparities among regions affected differently by overdoses throughout the state, officials emphasized continued public awareness campaigns along with expanded access to harm reduction tools like naloxone kits as well as fentanyl- or xylazine-detecting test strips.
Tonight’s purple lighting will include landmarks such as One World Trade Center; Empire State Plaza; Niagara Falls; Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct; Moynihan Train Hall; Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park; Alfred E. Smith State Office Building; H. Carl McCall SUNY Building; Kosciuszko Bridge; Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge; Fairport Lift Bridge over Erie Canal; Albany International Airport Gateway; MTA LIRR East End Gateway at Penn Station; Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge; plus Main Gate & Expo Center at State Fairgrounds.
The Department of Health oversees more than 1,400 opioid overdose registered programs operating at over 6,000 sites statewide that offer prevention training sessions along with free naloxone distribution—a program through which more than 1.2 million naloxone kits have been distributed since August 2022.
OASAS operates an online portal where residents can order free fentanyl test strips (details here), xylazine test strips (details here), or naloxone kits (information here). To date OASAS has provided over 13.7 million fentanyl test strips, more than 10.5 million xylazine test strips—and distributed upwards of 348 thousand naloxone kits statewide.
State funding supports multiple initiatives ranging from expanding medication access—including mobile units—to recovery centers providing various support services (find treatment options here). Efforts also include outreach programs connecting high-need individuals with services via transportation assistance or referrals.
More than $409 million from Opioid Settlement Funds have been made available by New York—reportedly more than any other state—for prevention programs as well as treatment initiatives focused on addiction care.
For details about harm reduction resources visit the Office of Drug User Health website. Information about addiction treatment—including crisis/detoxification or outpatient care—is available on the NYS OASAS website.
Anyone struggling with addiction can contact HOPEline at any time by calling 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
