{"id":190438,"date":"2025-09-01T01:16:09","date_gmt":"2025-09-01T01:16:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/190438\/"},"modified":"2025-09-01T01:16:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T01:16:09","slug":"gov-hochul-says-n-y-landmarks-to-be-lit-purple-for-international-overdose-awareness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/190438\/","title":{"rendered":"Gov. Hochul says N.Y. landmarks to be lit purple for International Overdose Awareness"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"FWV6EZ3FTBGCBOFXQLDWDP2ISU\">STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 New York landmarks will be illuminated in purple Sunday evning to honor the lives lost to drug overdoses and raise awareness about the ongoing substance use crisis, as the state marks <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/ioad\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/ioad\">International Overdose Awareness Day<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"3F3UAMNT6BFSJEIM3STMB7XUDE\">The annual lighting aims to reflect on those lost to addiction, recognize the grief of their loved ones and show solidarity with individuals still battling substance use disorders.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"ZC47AL2I6VAVBMJARK22WC23QA\">\u201cLike many New Yorkers, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the overdose epidemic,\u201d said Gov. Kathy Hochul. \u201cWe reflect on the lives lost to addiction and offer our support to those who continue to struggle.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"B6U6BU6635BQPNMHSDJW2I54PA\">The state has made progress in reversing overdose trends. Recent CDC data shows overdose deaths dropped 28% from 2023 to 2024 \u2014 from 6,550 to an estimated 4,719 \u2014 a bit of a hope after years of rising fatalities.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"WKCPK6NMJRDLTK7AFIWZHNHR6Q\">Addressing the epidemic and achieving an overdose-free generation includes continued public awareness and a commitment to making lifesaving overdose reversal medications like naloxone available to the public.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"WZROVHD7GREYVNJA5NLI2IHQ4U\">It also increases access to fentanyl and xylazine testing strips and supports community-based organizations that work directly in communities impacted by the overdose epidemic.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"QSD5CHNDXNABLP3HOS7LAIK23A\">Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the day is \u201ca moment to honor those we lost, while reaffirming our commitment to saving lives by establishing a compassionate health care system free of stigma.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"25PAHRPIWJFX7GRVLF34OLSPBU\">Major landmarks lit in purple will include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"article__unordered-list\">\n<li id=\"S3Q5GL33MBCNRJ3DHTO2OIOURA\">One World Trade Center<\/li>\n<li id=\"P7HJEE2CCBHJPENQEVM3DFIGBU\">Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge<\/li>\n<li id=\"TZGGYMXMMRGGRJNNOISBV4DNEU\">Kosciuszko Bridge<\/li>\n<li id=\"7K47GZU55VE7XM4PECQUTGPCMY\">The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building<\/li>\n<li id=\"GRT7GHAUMFEL3HMXPBCCUCHJCY\">Alfred E. Smith State Office Building<\/li>\n<li id=\"NHGQA4L7VNHVBLJ6PBNRMJH7C4\">Empire State Plaza<\/li>\n<li id=\"H2NC2TBAZJDOFDBH4ILJ2EHSLQ\">State Fairgrounds \u2013 Main Gate &amp; Expo Center<\/li>\n<li id=\"SUJI7RVN6ZDNTN5DUSEKCZSJ5E\">Niagara Falls<\/li>\n<li id=\"YOX75L7SJ5BUNAE3WOTAVMTM7E\">The \u201cFranklin D. Roosevelt\u201d Mid-Hudson Bridge<\/li>\n<li id=\"QEGABPSHC5EKZKQSINFKOZGOBA\">Grand Central Terminal &#8211; Pershing Square Viaduct<\/li>\n<li id=\"TQHEQZS5TRDQRFP3663QK6RJNE\">Albany International Airport Gateway<\/li>\n<li id=\"YYJIXN22PBEP3HE6EHK65URZ4Y\">MTA LIRR &#8211; East End Gateway at Penn Station<\/li>\n<li id=\"IBKWPCMFKBHODJGXBBKV5LSQWE\">Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal <\/li>\n<li id=\"VGFVT33HMNH5FGONVXX7YJ567E\">Moynihan Train Hall<\/li>\n<li id=\"FIYSZJYR6NDCRHTKA5SEG7Y274\">Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"AGS2XHPKVNCKBMPD3D5NQGKXE4\">Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, head of the state\u2019s addiction services office, noted, \u201cWe are seeing significant progress in reducing overdose deaths\u2026 and we will continue to work tirelessly to use all available resources.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A downward trend on Staten Island<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"D7WL2TXRNRAAHHDFR7RBT7JS2M\">Fatal drug overdoses <a href=\"https:\/\/www.silive.com\/crime-safety\/2025\/06\/overdose-statistics-revealed-for-the-first-6-months-of-2025-on-staten-island.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.silive.com\/crime-safety\/2025\/06\/overdose-statistics-revealed-for-the-first-6-months-of-2025-on-staten-island.html\">are trending downward on our borough<\/a>, throughout the state and nationwide compared to skyrocketing death tolls during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to experts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"7T7ET4N3PFDBRGX5CUGWC34E5U\">While the powerful opioid fentanyl still is the main killer, experts say that stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine and animal tranquilizers that include xylazine often serve as deadly accomplices.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"7ITGZZHPMJE6ZMG4IYG4HVI4YI\">\u201cWe are seeing a decline compared to two years ago, which is good,\u201d Richmond Country District Attorney Michael E. McMahon said about overdoses statistics for our borough.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"OOREDGTAJ5GINHQO6BNT6ZNCPY\">McMahon praised the mission and work of the task force as \u201cvitally important,\u201d and said \u201cit is clear that a lot of the efforts are paying off across the board.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mandated treatment proposal<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"TYYO735TF5GNHORDEQXANIELTQ\">Recently, Mayor Eric Adams announced a new legislative proposal that would allow medical professionals to mandate treatment for those struggling with substance use disorders.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"I5BH3N3EHVF3PD5ESZY37SMSOM\">If approved by the state legislature, the law would bring New York in line with 37 other states that already authorize involuntary commitment for addiction.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"7ILAWJX4DJD4BPRZB644NHBU6M\">The proposed legislation, dubbed the \u201cCompassionate Interventions Act,\u201d would give medical professionals authority to transport individuals who appear to pose a danger to themselves or others due to drug abuse to hospitals for evaluation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"5H2KHY6OBJB6TPECAOAQEP6V7E\">The court could then mandate treatment if attempts to have the individual commit to treatment voluntarily are unsuccessful.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"OK2SA6LBZ5DYNLECJWCNX5EKSQ\">\u201cOur administration refuses to turn our backs on New Yorkers in need,\u201d Adams said. \u201cWe must help those struggling to finally get treatment, whether they recognize the need for it or not.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"YD2Q6TZRTBC27C2N6NZKDMKR4Q\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.silive.com\/crime-safety\/2025\/08\/an-answer-to-our-prayers-staten-island-addiction-experts-back-mayors-involuntary-drug-treatment-plan.html?utm_campaign=statenislandadvance_sf&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawMYMMlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHny1k5V-jugJ4PpB0TlUG95NqLbQ7IjzmsR1rtPzjl9cpmPshTPhE8ovXROq_aem_UaS5nUYvS2cZICKpCNHvWQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.silive.com\/crime-safety\/2025\/08\/an-answer-to-our-prayers-staten-island-addiction-experts-back-mayors-involuntary-drug-treatment-plan.html?utm_campaign=statenislandadvance_sf&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawMYMMlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHny1k5V-jugJ4PpB0TlUG95NqLbQ7IjzmsR1rtPzjl9cpmPshTPhE8ovXROq_aem_UaS5nUYvS2cZICKpCNHvWQ\">Staten Island addiction experts<\/a>, including the borough\u2019s district attorney, told the Advance\/SILive.com they support the mayor\u2019s proposal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph article__paragraph--left\" id=\"IYG7V4XYNJDH5MZN2ZQRHPUPME\">New Yorkers seeking help can call the state\u2019s 24\/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or visit the NYS OASAS website for treatment options and support services.<\/p>\n<p>If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.advancelocal.com\/advancelocalUserAgreement\/user-agreement.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">User Agreement<\/a> and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and\/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.advancelocal.com\/advancelocalUserAgreement\/privacy-policy.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 New York landmarks will be illuminated in purple Sunday evning to honor the lives&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":190439,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5122],"tags":[5377,106523,5229,1557,106524,2654,12088,106525,106526,13959,9856,67594,1142,106527,106056,1165,405,403,5226,5225,5228,5227,2659,19127,82653,106528,20985,4151,67,586,132,5230,106529,68,2969,37263],"class_list":{"0":"post-190438","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-new-york","8":"tag-advocacy","9":"tag-alberta-canada","10":"tag-america","11":"tag-awareness","12":"tag-awareness-raising","13":"tag-benzodiazepines","14":"tag-campaign","15":"tag-commemoration","16":"tag-edmonton-canada","17":"tag-families","18":"tag-first-responders","19":"tag-healing","20":"tag-healthcare","21":"tag-hidden","22":"tag-international-overdose-awareness-day","23":"tag-lifestyle","24":"tag-new-york","25":"tag-new-york-city","26":"tag-newyork","27":"tag-newyorkcity","28":"tag-ny","29":"tag-nyc","30":"tag-opioids","31":"tag-rally","32":"tag-remembrance","33":"tag-solidarity","34":"tag-stigma","35":"tag-supportive","36":"tag-united-states","37":"tag-united-states-of-america","38":"tag-unitedstates","39":"tag-unitedstatesofamerica","40":"tag-unseen","41":"tag-us","42":"tag-usa","43":"tag-vigil"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/190438","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=190438"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/190438\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/190439"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=190438"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=190438"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=190438"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}