Thursday, October 1, 2026
In her efforts to prioritize public safety across District 9, Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick provided the Long Beach Public Library system with wall-mounted overdose emergency kits and naloxone first-aid pouches.
Aiding her were the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports — known as OASAS — and Project COPE, two state-run programs focusing on prevention and education. In a statement to the Herald, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick wrote that libraries play a vital role in the community, describing them as community hubs.
“Libraries are more than just places to check out a book,” she wrote. “They welcome people from all walks of life, and it is important that they are equipped with the proper tools and resources for when someone needs help.”
Fatal overdoses have occurred for a variety of reasons, according to COPE. This includes increased substance use, lethality of the substance, mental health symptoms like isolation and those who use substances alone. Overdoses have seen a sharp decline since the pandemic. This past year, overdoses — namely opioids — have declined by 16 percent across the county, according to county medical examiners.
In addition to Long Beach, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick secured overdose response kits for libraries in Hewlett-Woodmere, Peninsula in Lawrence, Malverne, East Rockaway, Elmont, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Lynbrook, Oceanside and Valley Stream.
“As a public library, LBPL is open to everyone.” Long Beach’s Library Director, Tara Lannen-Stanton, wrote in email. “Having publicly accessible overdose emergency kits at all three of our locations helps increase community safety. We are grateful to Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick for providing them.”
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick will continue to partner with state and local organizations and institutions. The goal, she says, is to expand access to life-saving resources and ensure communities across Senate District 9 are prepared to respond in emergency situations.
“When emergency happens, every second matters,” she said. “As elected officials, we need to make sure our community spaces are prepared to respond and protect lives.”
