In solidarity: National Recovery Month kicks off with press conference today at noon

The Northport/East Northport Drug and Alcohol Task Force (NENDATF) will hold a press conference today, August 31, to mark International Opioid Awareness Day. The conference, which begins at noon, is open to the public and will recognize the “unseen” victims of opioid use and raise awareness of the nature and consequences of the opioid crisis. Recent challenges and successes of the NENDATF will be discussed, as will ways community members and organizations can help support the group’s vital mission.

“The devastating fallout of opioid addiction on Long Island and across the U.S. is a clarion call to action for all sectors of local communities, as well as for lawmakers and other elected officials,” said NENDATF officials in a press release. A candlelight vigil to honor and remember loved ones lost to drug- or alcohol-related overdose will be held in Northport Village Park later in the day, from 7 to 9pm at the foot of Main Street.

Community members are encouraged to wear purple today, in honor of National Recovery Month. Like past years, Northport Village will recognize Recovery Month with purple ribbons, flags and lights in business windows, churches, shops and eateries, all in an effort to highlight the task force’s mission to spread awareness and offer support. The Town of Huntington will also be “turning purple” as part of its “Huntington Goes Purple” initiative, designed to bring awareness to the drug addiction crisis on Long Island and across the United States.

“Raising the recovery flag on Overdose Awareness Day, as we commence Recovery Month, holds immense significance,” Linda Oristano, NENDATF’s program coordinator, told the Journal. “It signifies our collective commitment to fostering a community of support, healing, and empowerment for individuals who have battled addiction. By flying the recovery flag high, we acknowledge the challenges that individuals in recovery face and honor their resilience in overcoming them.”

“This dual observance serves as a reminder that behind the statistics and numbers are real lives, real struggles, and real victories,” she continued. “It's a powerful visual representation of our dedication to breaking the stigma surrounding addiction, promoting awareness about overdose prevention, and advocating for accessible treatment options.”

The theme for this year’s International Opioid Awareness Day acknowledges the many people who go unseen when an overdose occurs: the family members, friends, coworkers, mentors, healthcare workers and first responders affected by another’s addiction.

The August 31 press conference will take place at Northport Village Hall, 224 Main Street, in Northport at 12pm. Northport Village Mayor Donna Koch will present proclamations to Fire Chief Douglas Pyne and Police Chief Chris Hughes. Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney and County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, as well as NYS Senator Mario Mattera and NYS Assemblyman Keith Brown will also be in attendance.

Educators, student leaders, and representatives of various community organizations will be on hand to answer questions and share ideas. The event will be an opportunity to forge relationships that strengthen efforts to combat drug addiction. All are encouraged to participate in the evening’s candlelight vigil.

“As we transition from Overdose Awareness Day to Recovery Month, the recovery flag stands as a bridge between the need for increased awareness and the celebration of those who have embarked on the courageous journey of recovery,” Oristano said. “It sends a message that our community is a safe space for those seeking help, and that their stories of triumph are worth celebrating. Ultimately, raising the recovery flag during this pivotal time encapsulates our commitment to creating a society that uplifts individuals in recovery, supports their families, and educates the public about the importance of empathy, understanding, and solidarity in the face of addiction.”

Founded in 2006 with a mission to prevent and reduce the use and misuse of drugs and alcohol among youth, the NENDATF brings together educators and other youth leaders, counselors, parents, local businesses, healthcare providers, religious organizations, government officials, civic organizations, media, law enforcement, and emergency services. For more information, visit the NENDATF website.