9th Annual Event Honors Those Lost, Celebrates Recovery, and Calls for Evidence-Based Care
NEW YORK, N.Y., August 5, 2026 — While overdose deaths in New York City have declined significantly, substance use disorder remains a major public health challenge affecting individuals, families, and communities across the five boroughs. On Sunday, October 25, 2026, hundreds of New Yorkers will gather for the 9th Annual Shatterproof Walk to End Addiction, a powerful community event that brings together families, friends, advocates, healthcare leaders, and people in recovery to honor loved ones, celebrate recovery, and take action to end the addiction crisis.
The Walk is one of six events taking place across the country as part of Shatterproof's national effort to transform how addiction is prevented, treated, and understood in America.
Although New York City recorded encouraging progress in 2024, with overdose deaths declining 42% from the previous year, 2,192 New Yorkers still lost their lives to overdose, and opioid-related hospitalizations remain a significant concern. Most overdose deaths continue to be opioid-related and driven by fentanyl.
"The progress we're seeing proves that change is possible, but thousands of New York families continue to feel the impact of addiction every day," said Pam Jenkins, CEO of Shatterproof. "The Walk brings people together to honor those we've lost, celebrate recovery, and remind everyone affected by substance use disorder that hope and help are available. Together, we can create a future where every person can access quality, evidence-based care."
Why It Matters
Despite recent progress, addiction continues to affect families across New York, and stigma remains a major barrier to treatment and recovery. New York residents generally support greater access to treatment, yet many misconceptions about addiction persist.
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Overdose deaths remain a major public health issue: New York City recorded 2,192 overdose deaths in 2024, despite a 42% decline from 2023.
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Hospitalizations continue to impact communities: There were 680 opioid-related overdose hospitalizations in 2024 across New York City.
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Fentanyl continues to drive the crisis: 83% of opioid-related overdose deaths and 79% of opioid-related hospitalizations involved fentanyl.
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Substance use affects many New Yorkers: Approximately 1 in 6 New Yorkers experienced substance use disorder within the past year, and illicit drug use and binge drinking rates exceed national averages.
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Treatment gaps persist: Despite one of the nation's largest treatment systems, approximately 3 in 4 people with substance use disorder still do not receive the care they need.
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Stigma remains deeply entrenched: Only 24% of New York adults recognize substance use disorder as a chronic medical condition, while 54% believe it is caused by bad character and 50% believe it is caused by a lack of moral strength
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New Yorkers support evidence-based care: 90% believe health insurance should cover treatment, 91% believe healthcare providers should offer equal care to people with SUD, and 86% believe employers should provide treatment opportunities for those in need.
Funds raised through the Walk support Shatterproof’s work to improve addiction treatment, reduce stigma, advocate for better public policy, and provide families with trusted resources. National Sponsors include: Braeburn, Barry's, and HEI Hotels + Resorts.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Location: Pier 76 Hudson River Park
408 12th Avenue
New York, NY 10018
Event Schedule
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8:00 AM — Participant check-in and Community Resource Village opens.
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9:30 AM — Opening program and warm up
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10:00 AM — The Shatterproof Walk to End Addiction begins.
Program Highlights
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Barry's instructors lead a high-energy warm-up
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Families and individuals share personal stories of loss, hope, and recovery
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Local Beneficiary Team: End Overdose. This team retains 75% of the revenue they raise to apply directly to their mission's work.
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Community Resource Village featuring local organizations, treatment and recovery resources, and family support services (including: Inservice Foundation, Women for Sobriety)
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Recognition of top fundraising teams
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Registration and Event Information: https://fundraise.shatterproof.org/nycwalk
Visuals & Interview Opportunities
Visuals
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Hundreds of participants walking along the Hudson River
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Honor Wall and remembrance displays
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Community Resource Village
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Family teams and corporate teams gathering in support of loved ones
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Barry's warm-up session
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Opening ceremony and Walk step-off
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Recovery advocates, community leaders, and mission honorees sharing their stories
Interviews Available
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Pam Jenkins, CEO, Shatterproof
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Local addiction and recovery advocates
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Families impacted by substance use disorder
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Individuals in recovery participating in the Walk
Media Logistics
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Recommended media arrival: 8:30 AM
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Best coverage opportunities: Community Resource Village, opening ceremony, mission speakers, warm-up, and Walk launch
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On-site media contact:
Shannon Greene
(704) 999-5895
sgreene@shatterproof.org
ABOUT SHATTERPROOF
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit transforming how addiction is prevented, treated, and understood in America. We work to stop substance use before it starts, close the treatment gap, and ensure people can find and trust high-quality, evidence-based care. By advancing policy, improving healthcare systems, reducing stigma, and supporting families, we're building a future where more people get the help they need and addiction no longer defines or ends a life.
Learn more at www.Shatterproof.org. Follow Shatterproof on Facebook, X, and YouTube:@ShatterproofHQ and on Instagram:@WeAreShatterproof.
Media Contact
Holly Jespersen
Senior Communications Manager, Shatterproof
[email protected]
646-334-1024
Sources: New York City overdose and treatment statistics are drawn from Shatterproof's 2024 New York Substance Use Profile and 2024 New York City Drug Overdose Profile. Addiction stigma and public perception data are drawn from the 2024 National Shatterproof
