NCADD Westchester Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day in White Plains

On August 31st, Westchester County recognized International Overdose Awareness Day at White Plains Public Library with a heartfelt and solemn tribute to both the ones we lost and the ones who are survivors and need ongoing help. This 2026 event focused around this year's emotional theme, "25 Years On. Still Needed." Along with White Plains Mayor Justin C. Brasch and Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health Commissioner Michael Orth, County Executive Ken Jenkins was on hand and spoke about how important it is to recognize addiction as a disease, and how each jurisdiction throughout the county is taking this matter seriously. NCADD Westchester's very own Dennis Andrews was this year's emcee at the very moving event.

“We come together on August 31, but we know that every day we see and hear the stories of those who struggle with addiction and have experienced overdose," said Mr. Orth is his speech. "Overdose affects not just those who are taking drugs but family, friends and communities. I want to thank our County Executive Ken Jenkins for his commitment to promoting programs that provide hope and action in keeping Westchester residents safe and supported. Special thanks also go to our friends in White Plains for their support of this important event. Events like these are a continuing effort to promote evidence-based practices and strategies to prevent and reduce drug-related harms.”

"Having County Executive Mr. Jenkins, Mayor Brasch and Commissioner Orth here, as well as members of the police department, truly defines how Westchester County continues the fight against illegal drug use and overdose," said Mr. Andrews. At NCADD Westchester, we are all about saving lives, teaching the importance of how to administer Narcan and offering a school for those who want to turn their lives around."

In addition to the White Plains Library event, NCADD Westchester, as well as hospitals and organizations attended and presented at another Overdose Awareness event in White Plains. On Bryant Road, the LOFT: LGBTQ+ Community Services Center and Westchester Jewish Community Services organized a heartfelt, friendly and laid-back educational event that also included a number of major Westchester institutions and organizations, such as Westchester Medical Center Health Network and the Urban League of Westchester County.

Both events offered education and where to get help throughout the county, while reinforcing the message of survival, promoted recovery, drug prevention and the value of life. Attendees came to gather information and some organized tables with many different kinds of information.