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

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

Registration is Free and Anyone May Attend the Virtual Event

Event Demonstrates Commitment to Ending the Drug Overdose Crisis

Updated Provisional Data Shows More Gains in Fight Against Overdose Epidemic in NYS

The New York State Department of Health will hold its fourth annual New York State Overdose Awareness Day virtual event on September 19.  The event's activities demonstrate the State Department of Health's commitment to ending the drug overdose crisis.  While there's still more work to do, encouraging updated provisional data from the CDC continues to show that New York State is making gains in the fight against the overdose epidemic.  These data shows a 13.8 percent year-over-year drop in estimated overdose deaths in New York State (outside of New York City) for the month ending in April 2024.  This follow's last month's announcement by Governor Kathy Hochul that CDC provisional data showed estimated overdose deaths in the state (outside of New York City) dropped by 9 percent for the month ending in March 2024.

"As we honor the lives of those lost to the overdose epidemic, we also acknowledge and recognize those individuals, communities, organizations, and programs who dedicate their lives to helping reduce drug use, overdose and the harmful impacts of substance use disorder," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.  "These community-based public health initiatives are saving lives—evidenced by the latest provisional data released by the CDC—and this upcoming Overdose Awareness Day event is an opportunity for collaboration in our collective goal to overcome stigma associated with substance use disorder."

The annual virtual event, organized by the State Department of Health's Office of Drug User Health, will take place on Thursday, September 19 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The event is free and anyone may attend.  The event will commemorate and 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 health equity for all in New York State.  These efforts include prioritizing and elevating harm reduction skills, services, and practices.  The annual event takes place each year following International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 in which state landmarks were lit in purple and silver.  For details on how to register for this free event visit New York State Overdose Awareness Day 2024 Tickets, Thu, Sep 19, 2024 at 3:00 PM | Eventbrite.  Overdose awareness information, including substance use disorder educational resources, can be found here.  The New York State Department of Health maintains a robust and comprehensive surveillance system to monitor drug and opioid related data, including fatal and non-fatal overdose at the state and county levels.  New York State Opioid Data Dashboards and data products are available here.