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Governor Hochul Directs New York State Landmarks to Be Lit Purple and Silver in Recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day

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2 years ago

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul announced that multiple landmarks and bridges across New York will be illuminated in purple and silver to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st. The event, recognized around the world, focuses on ending overdose and stigma, remembering those who have died, and acknowledging the grief of family and friends left behind.

“Like many New Yorkers, I’ve witnessed first-hand the impact addiction and substance use has on families,” Governor Hochul said. “As we recognize International Overdose Awareness Day, I encourage all New Yorkers to join us in supporting overdose survivors, remembering those lost to addiction, and celebrating the health care providers who work every day to help individuals in their battle against addiction.”

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James V. McDonald said, “To recognize overdose awareness day is to acknowledge the urgency of our shared responsibility to prevent the tragedies that lead to an overdose. In our pursuit of a healthier future, we must not only grieve those we’ve lost but also channel our sorrow into actions that will help save others. Every life is precious and embracing harm reduction programs stands as a beacon of compassion and pragmatism.”

Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “The opioid and overdose epidemic has affected individuals, families, and communities across New York State. This observance is a reminder of the impact that this crisis has had, and gives us a chance to recognize those who have been touched by addiction, as well as offer our support and come together to stop more overdose deaths. New York remains committed to addressing this public health emergency, and working with our partners to bring vital help and support to all New Yorkers.”

The Department of Health fosters an environment of compassion and support by providing access to resources such as free naloxone from community statewide overdose prevention programs including, free fentanyl and xylazine test strips. We empower individuals to make safer choices and embark on journeys of healing.

OASAS continues to support overdose prevention efforts across the state, including educational efforts through the Project COPE initiative, which offers information on how to obtain and use naloxone, how to get fentanyl and xylazine test strips, and how to find help for individuals impacted by addiction. The agency also offers free virtual naloxone trainings. A schedule of these training sessions can be found on the OASAS website.

These 14 landmarks and bridges will be illuminated in purple and silver:

One World Trade Center
Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (Tappan Zee Bridge)
Kosciuszko Bridge
The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
State Education Building
Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
Empire State Plaza
State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
Niagara Falls
The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
Albany International Airport Gateway
MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
Moynihan Train Hall

New Yorkers are encouraged to attend a local overdose awareness activity promoted on the Community Calendar of Overdose Awareness Day Events. In addition, on September 13, 2023, join New York State’s third annual statewide Overdose Awareness Days cosponsored by the State’s Department of Health and Office of Addiction Services and Supports. You can learn more here about the event.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can also be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at http://findAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website.

Photo by Rockland Photographer Owey Cramsie Jr.

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Government

Creating a More Inclusive Rockland – One Business at a Time By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

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5 days ago

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May 31, 2025

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To our business leaders, healthcare providers, first responders, and community organizations that make Rockland County the vibrant place it is, I want to bring your attention to a new and FREE training that will create a more inclusive Rockland one business at a time.

Here in the United States, 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with Autism. And yet, many of our public spaces, businesses, and institutions remain unfamiliar with how to support them.
That needs to change—and here in Rockland, we’re leading that change.

It was with that in mind that in April, during Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month, my administration’s Department of Mental Health launched a new All-Abilities Training Program, created in partnership with the Anderson Center for Autism.
This training is available at no cost and is designed to educate the workforce, including our local businesses, healthcare providers, first responders, and community organizations. It’s a powerful tool to help you better serve all members of our community, especially those with Autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD).

This initiative is more than just training—it’s a commitment to understanding, acceptance, and accessibility for individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities.

When we launched the Rockland Thinks Differently initiative in 2024, we committed ourselves to promoting inclusion at every level of our community. This training is a direct extension of that promise. It will help your team create more welcoming environments for all.

But this isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s also smart business.

Many individuals with Autism are loyal, capable, and hardworking.

The training includes insight into how to make your workplace more accessible for potential employees with Autism and the many benefits of hiring from this often-overlooked talent pool.

I urge every business and organization in Rockland to take advantage of this fantastic and free opportunity. Doing so will show the community that your organization not only accepts differences but embraces and celebrates them. Let’s work together and continue creating a Rockland that truly thinks differently.

To sign up for the training or learn more, please contact the Anderson Center at 845-889-9616 or ACCT@AndersonCares.org.

* This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

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Government

Senator Bill Weber Honors the Late Clarkstown Councilman Mark Woods Jr. with Induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

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6 days ago

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May 30, 2025

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – This week, State Senator Bill Weber posthumously inducted Town of Clarkstown Councilman Mark Woods Jr. into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at the State Capitol.

Mark’s beloved wife, Jeanne, his daughter, Maggie, his son, Ray, and his mother, Marie, joined the ceremony to accept the award on Mark’s behalf.

A Brooklyn native, Woods was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry after attending The Citadel. He served in Berlin at the end of the Cold War and deployed to Bosnia for peacekeeping operations. His civilian career included service as a corrections officer, border agent, and NYPD officer, where he was part of the Vice Squad and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. He returned to active duty in Iraq post-9/11 before continuing his public service stateside.

Woods later became Deputy Director of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency and then Director of the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program at BRIDGES, where he supported fellow veterans through mental health and crisis recovery work. His advocacy and compassion touched countless lives.

“Mark Woods Jr. exemplified the spirit of selfless service,” said Senator Weber. “His dedication to his country, his community, and especially to his fellow veterans, was unparalleled. This induction ensures that his legacy of compassion, leadership, and service will be remembered and honored for generations to come.”

“I can think of no one more deserving at this moment. Mark Woods is the purest example of a serviceman dedicated to his country and his community. He was humble, passionate and undeniably committed to seeing our community be better. I can’t think of a better way to pay tribute to a selfless man like Mark Woods and his enduring legacy than his induction to the NYS Veterans Hall of Fame.” said Carlos Martinez, LMSW, CEO and Executive Director of BRIDGES

Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, a good friend of Mark Woods added, “I am proud to help honor the life and legacy of Mark Woods. From his service in the U.S. Army to the streets of NYC as an NYPD officer, to his compassionate work with our veterans and as Town Councilman, his unwavering commitment to helping others will always be an inspiration. Clarkstown and New York State will never forget his lifetime of service.”

The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame honors the courage, sacrifice, and service of veterans who enrich their communities long after leaving active duty. Mark Woods Jr. stands among the finest examples of that enduring legacy.

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