Islip Shows Support For Those Affected By Heroin, Opioid Crisis

ISLIP, NY - Hundreds gathered as Islip Town went purple last week in memory of those struggling or affected by the opioid/heroin crisis.

Residents, local elected officials, school superintendents, principals, officials, hospital administrators, business owners, merchants and community leaders, all attended the inaugural event last Thursday to show their support for those whose lives have been affected by addiction.

"The Opioid and Heroin crisis does not discriminate. It affects everyone, regardless of economic or social status," Islip Supervisor Anglie Carpenter said.

According to Carpenter, there have been a total of 21 deaths, mainly among men between 30 and 39 years old, as a result of opioid/heroin use in the Town of Islip this year.

In addition, last year in the Town of Islip, Fire and EMS agencies responded to 1,344 overdose-related 911 calls.

During the ceremony, Carpenter pulled a ceremonial lever, turning the Town Hall cupola from blue to purple.

The Town Hall cupola remained purple through the end of September in recognition of September as National Recovery Month.

Last week's event was the kick-off to what will now be an annual month-long "Islip Goes Purple" campaign from August 31, 2020 through September 30, 2020.