The 3rd Annual International Overdose Awareness Day
Vigil was held on August 31st, 2023 on the lawn of the Sullivan County
Courthouse in Monticello. This is a recording of the entire event as it happened.
International Overdose Awareness Day is the
world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remembering without stigma those who have died from overdose, and acknowledging the grief of the family and friends left behind.
According to the New York State Department of Health,
Sullivan County holds the highest rate of overdose, per capita in New York State; and was also recently federally-designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
State and local leaders shared their efforts to battle the opioid
crisis in Sullivan County. The community opened their hearts as families share their stories of loved ones who lost their battle with substance use. Remember those who have passed and celebrate those in recovery. 20 organizations were in attendance sharing resources created to face this crisis head on.