Landmarks across New York State will be illuminated in purple to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, as announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. The lighting aims to honor those who have died from overdoses, support their families and friends, and show the state’s ongoing commitment to addressing substance use disorder.
Governor Hochul stated, “Like many New Yorkers, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the overdose epidemic. 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 said, “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), added, “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 shows that drug overdose deaths in New York decreased from 6,550 in 2023 (nearly 18 people per day) to 4,719 in 2024 (nearly 13 people per day), representing a 28 percent decline according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite this progress, officials note that 2025 remains crucial for continuing efforts against drug fatalities statewide.
Overdose deaths are not evenly distributed throughout New York. The Metropolitan Area reported the highest number of fatal overdoses in 2023 while Western New York had the highest rate at 38.5 deaths per 100,000 residents. This uneven impact highlights the need for targeted resource allocation.
The state continues public awareness campaigns about harm reduction measures such as making naloxone widely available at no cost through over 1,400 registered opioid overdose programs operating at more than 6,000 sites statewide since August 2022; more than 1.2 million naloxone kits have been distributed during this period.
Additionally, OASAS operates an online portal where residents can order fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, or naloxone for free; so far distributing over 13.7 million fentanyl test strips, over 10.5 million xylazine test strips, and more than 348,000 naloxone kits.
State funding supports expanded services at community-based drug user health hubs offering prevention education as well as rapid access treatment options like buprenorphine therapy for opioid use disorder. There is also targeted outreach toward vulnerable populations including communities of color; veterans; LGBTQ+ individuals; young people; and areas with high rates of overdose.
Initiatives funded by Opioid Settlement Funds—totaling more than $409 million—cover prevention efforts along with treatment programs ranging from detoxification through recovery support services.
Tonight’s landmark lightings include One World Trade Center; Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge; Kosciuszko Bridge; H. Carl McCall SUNY Building; Alfred E. Smith State Office Building; Empire State Plaza; State Fairgrounds Main Gate & Expo Center; Niagara Falls; Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge; Grand Central Terminal Pershing Square Viaduct; Albany International Airport Gateway; MTA LIRR East End Gateway at Penn Station; Fairport Lift Bridge over Erie Canal; Moynihan Train Hall; Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park.
Information about harm reduction programs is available on the Office of Drug User Health website. For addiction treatment options including crisis intervention or outpatient care visit the NYS OASAS website. Assistance is also accessible via HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or by texting HOPENY (467369).
