STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — New York landmarks will be illuminated in purple Sunday evning to honor the lives lost to drug overdoses and raise awareness about the ongoing substance use crisis, as the state marks International Overdose Awareness Day .

The annual lighting aims to reflect on those lost to addiction, recognize the grief of their loved ones and show solidarity with individuals still battling substance use disorders.

“Like many New Yorkers, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the overdose epidemic,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “We reflect on the lives lost to addiction and offer our support to those who continue to struggle.”

The state has made progress in reversing overdose trends. Recent CDC data shows overdose deaths dropped 28% from 2023 to 2024 — from 6,550 to a

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