At this year’s New York State Fair - which is being held in Syracuse from Aug. 22 through Sept. 3 - there will be Narcan training, which has helped save the lives of several New Yorkers who were suffering from near-fatal overdoses.
The “Stomp Out Stigma Day,” which coincides with International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31 will include a speech from BMX biker Tony Hoffman, feature an information fair with support service for addiction and the Narcan training.
“The Fair and its partners offer many services, from helping people check for unclaimed funds to offering assistance with some of life’s most serious crises,” acting Fair Director Troy Waffner noted. “We’re very pleased to partner with the Madison County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (MCCASA) and New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) on this event and hope that we are able to link people to the help they need to improve the lives of people fighting substance abuse.”
In addition, the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services will provide free NARCAN training at its booth in the Science and Industry Building at the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, Aug. 22: 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 23: 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 24: 11 a.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 25: 7 p.m.
- Monday, Aug. 27: 11 a.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 28: 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 29: 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 30: 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 2: 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 3: 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
“Stigma is defined as a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person," Lauren Davie, the Project Coordinator at the Central Region Addiction Resource Center stated. "The Central Region Addiction Resource Center, a program at MCCASA, wants people & families struggling with Substance Use Disorders to feel supported and know that there are services available to them. We are thrilled to be partnering with the New York State Fair to share this message of hope & recovery for all."
OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez added that “addiction is a disease that affects members of every community, regardless of age, gender, or other factors, and it is important that people know that help is available, and recovery is possible. New York State is working tirelessly to end the stigma against addiction and treatment, and get people access to the help they need to rebuild their lives.”
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