Catholic Charities to Recognize International Overdose Awareness Day by Spreading the Word that Overdose Death is Preventable
Catholic Charities to Recognize International Overdose Awareness Day by
Spreading the Word that Overdose Death is Preventable
Info, Resources Available at Catholic Charities Locations in Orange & Sullivan
Overdose does not discriminate. It could be a loved one, a friend, a colleague, or neighbor. Each day, lives are being changed or lost to overdose. In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, community members are invited to get involved to prevent the tragedy of overdose.
Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster will be recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day at its locations in Orange and Sullivan Counties. Community members are invited to learn more about Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and overdose prevention by attending an open house at Catholic Charities’ clinic locations in Goshen, Middletown, Monticello, Newburgh, and Port Jervis on Friday, August 30, between 10 am and 2 pm.
During the open house, people struggling with the disease of addiction, as well as people who care about someone with SUD, can speak with a certified recovery peer advocate and be connected with experienced SUD clinicians. Free Narcan training and kits and other harm reduction supplies will be available. Staff will provide information about connections to treatment and other resources. There will also be opportunities to memorialize loved ones lost to overdose.
International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose. This year’s theme “Together we can” highlights the power a community can have when they work together to raise awareness of substance use disorder, combat stigmatization, promote treatment, celebrate recovery, and strengthen collective efforts to prevent overdose deaths.
“The substance use crisis has had a devastating impact on our communities, families, and individuals. It’s essential that we equip people with the resources and support necessary to prevent the fatal consequences of substance misuse and provide access to evidence-based prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services,” said Amy Kolakowski, LCSW, Chief Clinical Officer, Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster.
“By welcoming community members into our offices to learn more about the resources available to them close to home, we can give those affected by addiction the best chance of finding long-term recovery and hope for the future,” added Kolakowski.
Catholic Charities provides a supportive OASAS-approved outpatient program for people struggling with alcohol, drugs, and other substances. Multiple levels of treatment are available for adults and adolescents. Services include outpatient treatment and recovery support for individuals and families, Medication-Assisted Treatment, peer advocacy, harm reduction, and referrals to food and shelter assistance. Catholic Charities provides help and creates hope for people in need regardless of religion, ability to pay, or insurance status.
To learn more, attend one of the open house events on Friday, August 30, or call the HELPline at 845-794-8080 xHELP (4357).
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Fast Facts:
WHO: Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster
WHAT: International Overdose Awareness Day Recognition Open House
WHEN: Friday, August 30, 10 am – 2 pm
WHERE: Goshen – 27 Matthews Street
Middletown – 305 North Street
Monticello – 396 Broadway
Newburgh – 280 Broadway
Port Jervis – 150 Pike Street
WHY: Addiction and overdose death do not discriminate, and our communities are not immune from this crisis. This awareness day is an opportunity for the community to come together to remember those who have been lost, support the families who have suffered, and share a vision to promote a safer, healthier community. Free Narcan training and kits and other harm reduction supplies will be available.
Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster, as one of the human service agencies of Catholic Charities of The Archdiocese of New York, is committed to building a compassionate and just society. Catholic Charities serves the homeless, the hungry, the emotionally and physically challenged, as well as immigrants and other marginalized and vulnerable people in Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties. Catholic Charities collaborates with parishes, Catholic, and non-Catholic partners alike to help people of all religions who are in need. For more information, visit www.cccsos.org.
