The week of Feb. 13 will kick off a special collaborative effort to examine New York State’s addiction and overdose crisis. “Overdose Epidemic” programming will draw attention to this public health crisis and raise awareness of services available in local communities for those impacted by addiction.
Public media is renowned for its thoughtful and thorough approach to public affairs and social issues, and “Overdose Epidemic” will touch on topics as wide-ranging as the science of addiction, reducing the stigma of addiction and recovery, addiction among veterans and young people, and what public health officials are doing to combat the crisis.
WCNY has developed this effort in a collaboration with the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Support (OASAS), relying on their scientific and treatment expertise. OASAS is providing dynamic tools for New Yorkers to connect with local recovery resources in their community.
As part of this initiative, WCNY will be airing special programming addressing the issues of mental health and addiction throughout the state during the week of Feb. 13-19.
Funding for The Overdose Epidemic was provided in part by the New York State Education Department.
Watch Monday, Feb. 13 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV
Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration is at odds with the state Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board’s recommendations to invest in harm reduction policies, including overdose prevention centers. On this episode of “CONNECT NY,” we’ll examine the state’s investments in combating the overdose epidemic, and learn more about harm reduction strategies.
Independent Lens—Love in the Time of Fentanyl
Watch Monday, Feb. 13 at 10 p.m. on WCNY-TV
As deaths in Vancouver, Canada reach an all-time high, the Overdose Prevention Society opens its doors—a renegade supervised drug consumption site that employs active and former drug users. Its staff and volunteers do whatever it takes to save lives and give hope to a marginalized community in this intimate documentary that looks beyond the stigma of people who use fentanyl and other drugs.
Behind the Woman—Opioid Addiction
Watch Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV
Meet Project Director of Healing Cayuga Monika Salvage and see how life brought her from Austria to Central New York. Learn how Monika has dedicated her work to opioid overdose education, treatment, and prevention. Watch Monika give a demonstration on recognizing an overdose and administering Narcan.
WXXI Live Special Report: COVID-19 and the Overdose Epidemic
Watch Thursday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. on WCNY-TV
WXXI News’ Evan Dawson hosts a state-wide discussion on how the pandemic and the response have exacerbated the ongoing overdose epidemic. Medical experts, government officials, non-profit organizations, and New York residents will share how the pandemic and the response have exacerbated the ongoing overdose epidemic.
Cycle of Health—Season 15, Episode 1
Watch Thursday, Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV
On this episode of “Cycle of Health,” Dr. Brian Johnson, Professor Emeritus at SUNY Upstate and recently retired Director of Addiction Medicine at Upstate University Hospital; Michelle McElroy, Chief Program Officer at ACR Health; and Bethani Rahrle-White, Prevention and Community Educator at Prevention Network CNY come together to discuss opioid addiction, treatment, and overdose prevention. This episode is part of a statewide initiative to address the Overdose Epidemic and connect New Yorkers with resources.
