The Big Duck to Light Up Purple in Recognition of Overdose Awareness & Recovery Month • Southampton, NY
One of Long Island’s most iconic landmarks will shine purple on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., as the Big Duck in Flanders is illuminated in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month.
Hosted by HUGS, Inc. and SAFE in Southampton, this community gathering will provide a meaningful opportunity to remember those lost to overdose, reflect on the impact substance use has had on individuals and families, honor those whose lives have been affected, celebrate recovery, and connect with one another in hope and fellowship.
Purple has become a powerful symbol of overdose awareness and recovery—a reminder of lives lost too soon, families forever changed, and the thousands of individuals who are living proof that recovery is possible. The lighting of the Big Duck is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a visible statement that our community refuses to remain silent about substance use, overdose, stigma, and recovery.
“Every purple light and awareness event represents a story,” said Kym Laube, Executive Director of HUGS, Inc. “It is in honor of someone we have lost, someone who is struggling, someone who loves a person impacted by substance use, and someone who has found a pathway to recovery. Lighting the Big Duck purple reminds us that prevention works, treatment works, recovery is possible, and connection can save lives.”
The event recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day, observed annually on August 31, while also marking the beginning of National Recovery Month throughout September. Together, these observances provide an important opportunity for communities to acknowledge the devastating impact of overdose while elevating messages of hope, healing, prevention, compassion, and recovery.
Southampton Town Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara, liaison to SAFE in Southampton, emphasized the importance of bringing these messages into the heart of the community.
“Lighting the Big Duck purple sends a powerful message: we remember those we have lost, we stand beside the families who carry that loss, and we celebrate every person who is finding their way in recovery,” said Councilwoman McNamara. “Substance use and overdose affect entire communities, and it takes an entire community working together to make a difference. Through SAFE in Southampton, we are committed to reducing stigma, increasing awareness, supporting prevention, and making sure people know that help and hope are available.”
The opioid and overdose crisis has touched communities across Long Island, affecting people of every age, background, and neighborhood. While tremendous progress continues to be made through prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery support, naloxone access, education, and community collaboration, the work is far from over.
The Big Duck lighting encourages residents to have conversations about substance use and overdose, learn how to recognize and respond to an overdose, carry naloxone, safely dispose of unused medications, challenge the stigma surrounding substance use disorders, and support individuals and families seeking help.
About HUGS, Inc.
Human Understanding & Growth Services, Inc. (HUGS, Inc.) is a Long Island-based nonprofit prevention agency committed to reducing substance misuse and other high-risk behaviors while strengthening the protective factors that help young people, families, and communities thrive. Through prevention education, positive youth development, community coalition building, leadership development, training, and recovery-supportive initiatives, HUGS works to create healthier, safer, and more connected communities.
About SAFE in Southampton
SAFE in Southampton is a community coalition working in partnership with HUGS, Inc., the Town of Southampton, and local stakeholders to prevent substance misuse and strengthen the health and well-being of Southampton Town communities.
SAFE in Southampton brings together residents, local government, law enforcement, schools, prevention and recovery professionals, businesses, youth, families, and other community partners around a shared goal: creating a healthier, safer, and more connected Southampton Town. Through community education, environmental prevention strategies, safe medication disposal, awareness campaigns, stigma reduction, and collaborative initiatives, the coalition works to reduce risk factors for substance misuse while strengthening the protective factors that help individuals, families, and communities thrive.
For more information, please contact HUGS, Inc. at 631-288-9505.
