ELLENVILLE, NY — In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, Ellenville Regional Hospital is raising awareness of the impact of opioid overdose while sharing a simple but powerful message: Hope grows when communities take action.

Observed annually on August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives to overdose, supporting the people and families affected by substance use, reducing stigma, and promoting lifesaving resources.

Along the hospital’s walkway, 491 purple flags have been placed, with each flag representing a naloxone kit distributed by Ellenville Regional Hospital. Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a lifesaving medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.

The display serves as a visual reminder of the lives that may be affected when community members have access to naloxone and are prepared to respond during an overdose emergency.

Signs displayed along the walkway share the following message:

Every flag represents hope.

Each purple flag represents a naloxone (Narcan) kit distributed by Ellenville Regional Hospital to help prevent an overdose from becoming a tragedy. Every kit represents an opportunity to save a life, a moment of hope, and a chance for a new beginning.

This International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember those we have lost, support those who are struggling, and recognize the power of being prepared to save a life.

This initiative is supported by grant funding focused on reducing opioid-related stigma and expanding community education and awareness. The work is carried out through the Ellenville Regional Rural Health Network, a hospital-led coalition dedicated to increasing health literacy and improving access to healthcare, support services, and other resources throughout the region.

“Reducing the stigma surrounding opioid use disorder is essential to helping people feel comfortable seeking care,” said Samantha Riley, Rural Health Network Executive Director. “Through education, compassion, and access to treatment, we can help individuals take their first steps toward recovery.”

Help is available when you are ready

Ellenville Regional Hospital also wants individuals and families to know that help for opioid use disorder is available through the hospital’s Emergency Department.

Individuals experiencing opioid use disorder may come to the Emergency Department at any time to be evaluated for medication-assisted treatment. The hospital recognizes that the decision to seek help does not always occur during traditional office hours. A person may be ready to seek treatment in the middle of the night, on a weekend, or following an overdose. Ellenville Regional Hospital believes those moments matter and that support should be available when someone is ready to take the first step.

“Opioid use disorder is a serious medical condition, and patients need the option to begin medication when it is clinically appropriate,” said Dave Williams, PA, an Emergency Department provider at Ellenville Regional Hospital. “Making this treatment available through our Emergency Department allows us to provide timely, evidence-based care when patients need it most.”

The process is designed to be accessible and straightforward. Medication-assisted treatment can help reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms and can be an important part of treatment and recovery for people living with opioid use disorder. By offering this care through the Emergency Department, Ellenville Regional Hospital aims to reduce barriers and make it easier for individuals to receive help.

“We believe action is one of our greatest tools in addressing the opioid crisis,” said Dave Williams, PA. “By providing treatment through our Emergency Department and making naloxone available to community members, we are doing our part while giving our community the tools to do theirs. Together, these efforts create more opportunities for hope and help save lives.”

Ellenville Regional Hospital remains committed to providing compassionate, accessible care and connecting individuals and families with the resources they need to pursue treatment and recovery.

About Ellenville Regional Hospital

Ellenville Regional Hospital is a not-for-profit, critical access hospital located in Ellenville, NY. Committed to serving the health needs of our community with excellence and compassion, ERH provides a range of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services with a focus on quality, safety, and patient-centered care. To learn more visit erhny.org