Towns raise opioid OD awareness
Rhinebeck, Red Hook and more than 15 area merchants observed overdose awareness in early August.
Because overdose deaths are increasing daily and are preventable, town and village officials in Rhinebeck and Red Hook and more than 15 area merchants observed overdose awareness on Aug. 1 by hanging purple lights and opioid awareness signs in memory of lives lost to opioid addiction.
Rhinebeck Town Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia, Rhinebeck Mayor Gary Bassett of Rhinebeck and Red Hook Mayor Ed Blundell said International Overdose Awareness Day was an “effort to raise awareness of this terrible epidemic that is increasing daily,” according to a press release.
In a prepared statement, Spinzia said, “Covid-19 has escalated the numbers of overdoses by 45% in May over last year. … The Town Board of Rhinebeck wanted to support this important awareness effort during the pandemic to encourage people who are struggling to reach out for help and to know that they are not alone, despite our physical distancing.”
Bassett said that “Last year in the state of New York, 2,991 people died of a drug overdose. Here in Dutchess County, from January to June of 2019 there were 28 deaths, 97 Outpatient ER visits and 21 Hospitalizations.”
Bassett said the Rhinebeck Village Board “felt this effort could shine some light on this increasing problem and show our support for the local organizations who are trying to implement change in the arena of substance abuse disorder. We hope that this light will help people find their way out of the despair that is affecting so many right now.”
Blundell said Red Hook police are supplied with Narcan and trained in its use and have saved lives with the drug, which is used to reverse “multiple” opioid overdoses.
Blundell said the village recommends and works with the Dutchess County Stabilization Center where individuals and their families can get help and guidance on addiction and other issues.
Walk-in or phone access to assistance is at the Stabilization Center, 230 North Road, Poughkeepsie, or by calling (845) 4859700.
Red Hook electrician Nick Herron volunteered to help with the lights.
Linda Vincent, of Rhinebeck, spearheaded this project to honor her son who died on Aug. 12, 2019, of an accidental opioid overdose, according to the press release.
Rhinebeck merchants supporting Awareness Month include Rhinebeck Bank, Samuel’s Sweet Shop, Bread Alone, A.L. Stickle Variety Store, Rhinebeck Department Store, Winter Sun & Summer Moon, and Williams Lumber.
Participating Red Hook merchants are Dick Baright Realty, Hitchcock & Company, Village Pizza, Sipperley’s Grog Shoppe, Annabelle’s Bakery, J&J Gourmet, Northern Dutchess Hardwoods & Floor Coverings, Shoppe Girl and Rhinebeck Bank.
For more information and resources, visit https:// www.overdoseday.com/.
If you or someone you know is facing an addiction issue, contact New York State HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY.