Huntington To Raise Flag For International Overdose Month

HUNTINGTON, NY — The Town of Huntington will shine a purple light on National Recovery Month this September. A flag-raising, a purple motif throughout the town and events co-sponsored with the Town of Huntington Opioid and Addiction Task Force are all on the docket, according to a news release from Councilman Mark Cuthbertson’s office.

The flag-raising, set for 4 p.m. Aug. 31 on the Village Green in Huntington, is meant to kick off recovery and awareness events planned during the month. A "Night of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil" is slated that evening at Northport Village Park from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and will be co-sponsored by the Northport Drug and Alcohol Task Force.

September is National Recovery Month, and the town hopes to raise awareness of overdoses, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends.

Task Force member Sharon Richmond who lost her son to an overdose spearheaded the events and has worked tirelessly to bring "Huntington Goes Purple" to life.

"In a year where we lost 93,000 loved ones to the disease of addiction, National Recovery Month is especially important," Richmond said via release. "To honor my only child, Vincent, who lost his life to an overdose, is to advocate for those who still face barriers to treatment and to end the stigma that has continued to affect those seeking help."

More than 93,000 people died of overdoses last year. That's more than 21,000 — or nearly 30 percent — from 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

During September, the town will be painted purple to show support and celebrate people in recovery. Purple Flags will fly on Main Street and New York Avenue in Huntington Village and purple light bulbs will be placed at homes and businesses.

Here are other events planned to raise awareness for National Recovery Month this September:

6th Annual Long Island United for Recovery Walk

The 6th Annual Long Island Recovery Walk is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Heckscher Park. In-person registration starts at 10:30 a.m. Live music, a resource fail and recovery speakers are in the works. Register for the walk here.

Celebrating Hope and Recovery

To end the month, the Town of Huntington Opioid and Addiction Taskforce is set to host Celebrate Hope and Recovery at the Old First Church, at 125 Main St., Huntington, at 7 p.m. Sept. 28.

Join them as they discuss prevention, family support and the power of treatment and recovery.

"I want to thank the Opioid and Addiction Task Force for all they have done bringing addiction awareness to the residents of the Town," Cuthbertson said. "A special thank you to Sharon Richmond, whose efforts to raise awareness about addiction brought 'Huntington Goes Purple' to life in Huntington in memory of her son Vincent. Every day that we chip away at the stigma of addiction, we saves lives."

For information on the events, you can call 631-351-3171.