HUNTINGTON, NY – On Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 11:00AM the Town of Huntington, Councilman Salvatore Ferro, and the Town’s Opioid & Addiction Task Force kicked off the annual Huntington Goes Purple initiative at Veteran’s Plaza to raise awareness of the drug addiction crisis on Long Island and across the United States.
September is National Recovery Month. Purple flags have been installed on the front lawn of Town Hall at 100 Main Street from Clinton Avenue/Green Street to Anderson Place, and on Larkfield Road between Webster Place and 9th Avenue. This National event honors the more than 1 million Americans who have died as a result of accidental overdoses of drugs and alcohol, many as a result of untreated mental illness.
The message is clear – RECOVERY WORKS. On May 14, 2025 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a statement that overdose deaths involving opioids decreased nearly 27% from 83,140 deaths in 2023 to 54,743 lives lost in 2024. Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, Family & Children’s Association and a Town of Huntington Opioid & Addiction Task Force member recognized the Town of Huntington as the most effective municipality on Long Island affecting positive, tangible change in saving lives from substance abuse disorders.
The Town’s invitation states “It is of critical importance that we always remember those who were lost to this epidemic. This initiative allows us to preserve the memories of those we lost to addiction and pay tribute to the amazing social workers, mental health care professionals, and nonprofit volunteers who work tirelessly to support individuals in recovery.”
The annual flag-raising is the start of multiple events in the Town of Huntington to take place during National Recovery Month.
FREE Upcoming Events are:
Northport Flag Raising Ceremony and Night of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
Rock ‘N’ Recovery XVI Celebrating Recovery on Friday, September 19, 2025
The Town of Huntington Annual Wellness Walk For Hope at Heckscher Park on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
If you or are loved one are dealing with addiction, substance abuse or mental health issues, HELP IS AVAILABLE. Please contact the Town of Huntington Drug & Alcohol Counseling Center at (631) 271-3591. The Town of Huntington Opioid & Addiction Task Force also features a TREATMENT REFERRAL LIST on their website. Please listen to the end of the enclosed video for a personal message of hope and healing from June Margolin.
Videography and Photography by June Margolin. Copyright 2025 – All rights reserved.
