TCWH honors International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31st)
Published on August 27, 2026
August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to remember lives lost and pledge anew to prevent additional overdoses. Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is reminding the community of resources and supports available in our community for substance use harm reduction and opioid overdose prevention. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, find support by calling the state’s toll-free HOPEline, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week, at: 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is running a public awareness initiative to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use. The project reminds us not to blame or judge others based on outward appearances or struggles, with an emphasis that addiction is a treatable medical condition rather than a personal failing.
TCWH Mental Health Deputy Commissioner Harmony Ayers-Friedlander stated, “OASAS’ anti-stigma campaign reminds us that everyone with an addiction has a story to tell. We should approach one another with compassion and not be so quick to “judge a book by its cover”, as the saying goes. On this International Overdose Awareness Day, we hope you will pause to reflect on the lives impacted by addiction and overdose and explore opportunities to provide support to those in need.”
Tompkins County Resources and Supports for Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Recovery
In Tompkins County, a multi-faceted approach using harm reduction strategies and treatment is taken to prevent fatal overdose, and lead to recovery. Harm reduction strategies are evidence-based methods which lessen the negative social and/or physical consequences associated with various human behaviors. For example, seatbelts are considered a “harm reduction strategy,” as seatbelt use helps to decrease the harm caused by automobile accidents.
Harm reduction strategies for overdose prevention include naloxone distribution and education, drug testing, safety planning (such as never using alone), mental health therapy, recovery services and peer support. Harm reduction strategies are considered an important factor in decreasing fatal overdose along with treatment interventions (medication and therapy) and recovery-oriented services.
Naloxone (Narcan) distribution and education
Healthcare providers, education institutions, community-based organizations and other programs have worked diligently to increase access to naloxone (an overdose reversal method) and provide community-wide training opportunities. In Tompkins County, almost 3,000 naloxone (Narcan) kits were distributed, and over 5,600 people were trained in its use during 2025. To date in 2026, over 1,500 people have been trained to use Narcan, and 550 Narcan kits have been distributed. Free Narcan and self-use drug testing supplies are available at a variety of community locations and for ordering online.
TCWH Commissioner Jennie Sutcliffe stated, “One step we can all take to help save lives from drug overdose is to be trained in the use of naloxone (i.e. Narcan), an opioid overdose reversal spray. Just as we learn CPR or the Heimlich maneuver, carrying Narcan and being trained in its use is another way we can be prepared to respond in an emergency situation to save someone’s life.”
Education and awareness about the contamination of street drugs with fentanyl, xylazine, medetomidine and other dangerous synthetics is essential at reducing overdose. STAP, Inc. became a part of the NYS Community Drug Checking pilot in 2023, to help educate people who use drugs about the products they are using. Drugs can be checked at no cost, anonymously, at the STAP office at 314 W. State St., downtown Ithaca. This program helps to reduce the risks associated with substance use and allows the user to make more informed decisions. The drug checking program also monitors trends in drug supply and notes any changes in how people are using drugs, which allows for adaptability in providing appropriate harm reduction methods.
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), also known as Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT), is available in Tompkins County to provide support for those in recovery. MOUD incorporates therapeutic services with the use of medication that can reduce dependency on substances. These medications, such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone help normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and restore normal body functions without the harmful effects of the substances. Locally, MOUD options can be discussed and prescribed by providers at TCWH, STAP Inc., REACH Medical, CARS, and at some practitioner offices.
Therapeutic services such as mental health counseling, recovery services and peer support are also beneficial at reducing risk for overdose. Services are primarily provided in Tompkins County through OASAS funded treatment providers, CARS and REACH Medical.
CARS provides both outpatient and in-patient treatment and therapy for substance use disorders, including a specific Opioid Treatment Program. REACH Medical provides counseling and behavioral health services, case management, social support and peer services. REACH Medical accepts Medicaid, offers a sliding fee/no fee for services and will not turn anyone away due to inability to pay.
TCWH’s Mental Health Services can provide services for the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Therapeutic services are available remotely or in-person at our offices located at 201 E. Green Street (downtown Ithaca) or 55 Brown Road (northeast Ithaca). Our licensed clinical therapists provide individual and group counseling services. At our downtown office (201 E. Green St.), we offer walk-in Open Access Hours to see a clinician and begin the intake process, no appointment needed, on a first come-first served basis.
TCWH’s Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) provides individual therapy and group-based services for adults age 18+ with severe and persistent mental illness. The main goal of the program is to help people work on all aspects of their life — social, work, education, housing, finding purpose — when mental health or substance use creates barriers. Often the outcome of participating in PROS includes an improvement in overall quality of life, a decrease in hospitalizations, and movement towards goals.
Support groups, such as those hosted by Ithaca Community Recovery (518 W. Seneca St., Ithaca) and Mental Health Association in Tompkins County (511 W. Seneca St., Ithaca) provide peer connection and build community to support recovery efforts, with options for those in recovery as well as family members and friends of those with substance use disorders. MHA also offers support through Certified Recovery Peer Advocates, who work with individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, including those involved in the legal system and those seeking voluntary recovery support in the community. Grounded in lived experience, the program offers free, non-clinical support that promotes hope, stability, self-determination, and long-term recovery.
TCWH’s Peer Support Services provide individuals with the opportunity to connect with someone who has lived experience of mental health challenges, substance use, or recovery. Peer Support Specialist use their personal recovery journeys to offer hope, understanding, and practical support to others navigating similar experiences. These services are grounded in mutual respect, empathy, and shared understanding. Peer Support Specialists help individuals set and achieve their own goals, build coping skills, access community resources, and strengthen self-advocacy.
Additional Supportive Services
For anonymous, confidential, free support with a trained crisis line counselor, available 24-hours-per-day, 7-days-a-week call the NYS HOPEline: 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (Short Code 467369).