September 7th, 2023 – Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter was joined by members of the Islip Town Board, and elected officials on the Federal, State, County and local levels for the 5th annual "Islip Goes Purple" event held Thursday, September 6th at Town Hall, kicking-off with a Color Fun Run and the lighting of the Town Hall cupola purple.

"Islip Goes Purple symbolizes our continued commitment to stand together, UNITED in memory of the lives lost, those in recovery, those struggling, and the families throughout the Town of Islip and across Long Island impacted by mental illness, struggling with mental health, and those affected by a substance use disorder…and it does not discriminate, it can affect anyone, regardless of economic or social status," said Islip Supervisor, Angie Carpenter.

"For the last 4 years, Islip community members, business owners and community partners have been pivotal in the success of Islip Goes Purple, which is one way we can come together as a community," said Supervisor Carpenter. The effort has grown throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties, with Brookhaven, Babylon and Huntington Townships following the Town of Islip and lighting their communities purple, along with Massapequa Park in the Town of Oyster Bay.

"Having elected officials from the Federal, State, and County levels joining us here today is testament to the fact that substance use disorder, mental illness and caring for one’s own mental health are paramount issues at the forefront of what we as elected officials must be prepared to address and tackle," added the Supervisor.

New York State Overdose Awareness Day is Sept. 13th. “We’ve asked our school district partners to wear purple on that day, and these school districts will also have Islip Goes Purple Flags displayed on their campuses,” said Supervisor Carpenter. “NYS will light landmarks purple across the state, and we’re asking our local businesses and civic and community groups to spread the word and join us in displaying purple,” said the Supervisor.

• The Town of Islip Opioid Task Force provides Targeted Narcan Distribution year-round.
• The Town has also added harm reduction strategies to detect harmful additives, preventing overdose deaths and saving lives.
• 911 Good Samaritan Laws allow people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug or alcohol overdose that requires emergency medical care or, if they witness someone overdosing.
• Youth Enrichment Services Counseling Center here in the Town of Islip and Brentwood, provides support and referrals for treatment resources.

Speaking to this important issue were: Suffolk County District Attorney, Ray Tierney; MaryAnn Pfeiffer, Executive Director, Youth Enrichment Services, who plays a pivotal role in the success of Islip Goes Purple, and is co-chair of the Town’s Substance Abuse/Opioid Task Force together with Kathy Koenigsdorf, Founder, of the Jake K. Foundation; Dr. Jaclene Jason, Director, Addiction Services, Northwell Health; Carmen C., Client, Outreach with a personal story and Kathy Koenigsdorf, Jake K. Foundation.

"These tragedies don’t happen to other people, they happen to people like us…all of us have been touched in some way, by loss due to overdose or suicide. We’re making strides, but we have more work to do," concluded the Supervisor.