On International Overdose Awareness Day, Advocates to Hold Narcan Training + Honor Unseen Heroes of the Crisis

BROOKLYN, NY (08/31/2023) (readMedia)-- Today is International Overdose Awareness Day, Phoenix House of NY|LI will host a full day of information sessions, demonstrations and vigils. Overdose deaths continue to rise to record numbers in New York. According to data from New York's Office of Addiction Services and Supports in 2022, one New Yorker died every two hours from an opioid- related overdose. To honor the lives lost and first responders – like EMTs, family members and medical professionals – who put their lives on the line to save others, the Recovery Center will host a candlelight vigil from 7-8pm.

Earlier in the night, the Recovery Center will host a narcan training to educate folks on how to save a life. With the tragic rise of overdose deaths - more New Yorkers die of drug overdoses than homicides, suicides, and motor vehicle crashes combined - learning to administer the life-saving overdose drug Narcan is like the new CPR training. And because Fentanyl, a highly potent opioid, is involved in more than 78% of all overdose deaths in NYC, raising awareness of easy-to-use fentanyl test strips is a crucial harm reduction approach that will save lives.