Events seek to educate public about addiction

The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health is encouraging residents to attend a pair of events that will educate the community about the dangers of addiction, raise awareness about the current opioid epidemic and train residents in the use of Narcan, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

The events are intended to exemplify the county’s “Breaking Through” initiative, which works to break the stigma surrounding substance abuse and mental health issues, while offering numerous resources to help those affected, and their loved ones, along their road to recovery.

Both events will offer Narcan training for attendees who are interested.

The Walkway Over the Hudson will host its Overdose Awareness Walk starting Saturday, Aug. 25, at 9 a.m.

Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro and William Eckert, director of clinical services with the county Department of Behavioral & Community Health, will be among the speakers at the event. The walk is held in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to overdose, to support those who are struggling with addiction and to fight the stigma that keeps people from getting help.

For more information about the walk, go to mattherringfoundation.org/ walk.

On Wednesday, Aug. 29, the Department of Behavorial & Community Health will hold an educational presentation on the science of addiction and recovery. The presentation will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the office, located at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie.

Designed for a wide range of audiences, the training will review how alcohol and other drugs affect the brain and behavior, what makes a person vulnerable to addiction and reoccurrence, the science and neuroscience of recovery, and more.

The training is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. To register, contact Amanda Brennan at (845) 4862844 or email abrennan@ dutchessny.gov.

The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health continually offers Narcan training throughout Dutchess County, as well as at its Stabilization Center at 230 North Road. Families or civic groups looking to host Narcan trainings can call the Department at (845) 4862885 or (845) 486-2844. No appointment is necessary to receive the training at the center.