Overdose Prevention
and Harm Reduction
Education, compassion, and resources for recovery
When most people hear the word overdose, they think of statistics. We think of people.
We think of the young man who’s convinced his family has given up on him. The mother who’s trying to regain custody of her children. The father who desperately wants to stop using but doesn’t know where to begin. We think about the families who wait for a phone call every night, hoping it isn’t that phone call.
Those are the people we meet every day.
One of the hardest parts of this work is knowing that many overdoses are preventable. We know that education saves lives. We know that treatment works. We know that recovery happens. And we know that when people are met with compassion instead of judgment, they’re far more likely to reach out for help.
Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It affects people of every age, every background, every profession, and every neighborhood. It isn’t a sign of weakness or a lack of character. It is a complex medical condition that deserves the same compassion, treatment, and support as any other illness.
Recovery isn’t always a straight path. There are setbacks. There are difficult days. But there are also victories—some large, some small—that remind us why this work matters. A repaired relationship. A return to work. A child reunited with a parent. A year in recovery. Five years. Ten years. Those moments don’t make headlines, but they happen every day.
During Overdose Awareness & Prevention Month, we encourage everyone to learn the warning signs of an overdose, become familiar with naloxone (Narcan®), and help reduce the stigma that too often keeps people from asking for help. Sometimes the most important thing any of us can do is listen, offer support, and remind someone that they don’t have to face addiction alone.
At Peter Young Housing, Industries & Treatment (PYHIT), we have the privilege of walking alongside individuals and families as they begin—or continue—their recovery journey. Through treatment, counseling, recovery support, housing, and community outreach, we see every day that recovery is possible and that hope can grow, even in life’s most difficult moments.
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, don’t wait for the situation to become a crisis. Reach out. Ask questions. Start the conversation.
Recovery is possible. Help is available. And no one has to walk the journey alone.
Life-Saving Resources
Recognizing an Opioid Overdose
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Person cannot be awakened.
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Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing.
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Blue or gray lips and fingernails.
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Pinpoint pupils.
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Call 911 immediately.
Naloxone (Narcan®)
Naloxone (commonly known by the brand name Narcan®) is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose by restoring normal breathing. It is safe to administer if an opioid overdose is suspected—even if it turns out the person is not experiencing an opioid overdose. Naloxone is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Always call 911 immediately, administer naloxone if it is available, and stay with the person until emergency responders arrive.
Find free naloxone kits and training through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Click HERE.
Community Outreach
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, our Community Outreach team can help connect you with treatment, recovery support, and community resources.