Big Duck Will Be Illuminated In Purple To Shine Light On Overdose Awareness, Spotlight Recovery

FLANDERS, NY — An iconic Long Island symbol will shine purple soon to raise overdose awareness and spotlight recovery, officials said.

According to Southampton Town officials, the Big Duck in Flanders will be illuminated in purple on Monday, August 31, at 7 p.m. in International Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month.

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Hosted by HUGS, Inc. and SAFE in Southampton, the community gathering "will provide a meaningful opportunity to remember those lost to overdose, reflect on the impact substance use has had on individuals and families, honor those whose lives have been affected, celebrate recovery, and connect with one another in hope and fellowship," town officials said.

"Purple has become a powerful symbol of overdose awareness and recovery — a reminder of lives lost too soon, families forever changed, and the thousands of individuals who are living proof that recovery is possible," officials added.

The lighting of the Big Duck is more than a symbolic gesture, officials added; it is a visible statement that the community "refuses to remain silent about substance use, overdose, stigma, and recovery."

"Every purple light and awareness event represents a story," said Kym Laube, executive director of HUGS, Inc. "It is in honor of someone we have lost, someone who is struggling, someone who loves a person impacted by substance use, and someone who has found a pathway to recovery. Lighting the Big Duck purple reminds us that prevention works, treatment works, recovery is possible, and connection can save lives."

The event recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day, observed annually on August 31, while also marking the beginning of National Recovery Month throughout September.

Together, the observances provide an "important opportunity for communities to acknowledge the devastating impact of overdose while elevating messages of hope, healing, prevention, compassion, and recovery," officials said.

Southampton Town Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara, liaison to SAFE in Southampton, emphasized the importance of bringing the messages into the heart of the community.

"Lighting the Big Duck purple sends a powerful message: We remember those we have lost, we stand beside the families who carry that loss, and we celebrate every person who is finding their way in recovery," she said.

"Substance use and overdose affect entire communities, and it takes an entire community working together to make a difference," she added. "Through SAFE in Southampton, we are committed to reducing stigma, increasing awareness, supporting prevention, and making sure people know that help and hope are available."

The opioid and overdose crisis has touched communities across Long Island, affecting people of every age, background, and neighborhood, officials said.

"While tremendous progress continues to be made through prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery support, naloxone access, education, and community collaboration, the work is far from over," officials added. "The Big Duck lighting encourages residents to have conversations about substance use and overdose, learn how to recognize and respond to an overdose, carry naloxone, safely dispose of unused medications, challenge the stigma surrounding substance use disorders, and support individuals and families seeking help."