Albany County Launches “It’s Possible” A Community-Driven Opioid Awareness Campaign Rooted in Lived Experience

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy and the Albany County Departments of Health and Mental Health today launched "It's Possible," a countywide public education campaign aimed at changing the way Albany County residents understand and respond to opioid use disorder. The campaign is based on input from community voices including people with lived experience of opioid use disorder, medical professionals, law enforcement, public health officials, and opioid task force members. Campaign ads feature real Albany County residents and places, and messages center on four themes:

• Recovery is Possible
• Harm Reduction is Possible
• Prevention is Possible
• Community is Possible.

The campaign was created to let residents know what treatment and recovery resources exist and community members most at risk for overdose is likely not who you think. "In Albany County, the person most likely to experience an overdose is not a teenager - it's an adult between the ages of 45 and 65: a parent, a neighbor, a coworker," said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. "Fentanyl contamination has also spread to cocaine, counterfeit pills, and other substances, meaning even people who don't identify as opioid users face real, immediate risk."

The campaign research converged on a unanimous finding: that stigma is the greatest barrier to treatment-seeking and recovery and that finding is embedded in every element of the campaign. "Opioid use disorder is a medical condition, not a moral failure, and it touches people of every age, background, and walk of life," said Dr. Kristen Navarette, Albany County Commissioner of Health. "We've developed this campaign to reach residents where they are and to feature authentic, community voices."

"Too often, stigma and misinformation keep people from getting the help they need. Our job in public health is to make sure people have accurate information, access to lifesaving resources, and the support to take the next step. 'It's Possible' is about opening the door to more conversations, more understanding, and more opportunities for people and families to find hope," said Albany County Department of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Stephen J. Giordano.

The campaign includes

• Bus shelter advertising across Albany County
• Posters at businesses, community centers, and organizations
• TV and streaming video
• Social media ads and reels across major platforms

A dedicated campaign hub at albanycountyny.gov/its-possible provides downloadable posters, shareable social media graphics with suggested captions, and video content for community organizations, businesses, clinics, and residents to post and display. Additional campaign assets will be released throughout the remainder of 2026.

Community members and organizations are encouraged to use the campaign hashtag #ItsPossible when sharing materials on social media.

Albany County residents in crisis can reach the county's 24/7 mobile crisis team anytime by calling 518-549-6500. Free naloxone - which reverses an opioid overdose and requires no prescription - is available at locations throughout Albany County. The Albany County Department of Mental Health's Mobile Outreach, Treatment, and Overdose Response (MOTOR) program can be reached at (518) 447-2067.

A directory of Albany County prevention, treatment, and recovery services is available at albanycountyny.gov/its-possible. For more information on the Albany County Opioid Task Force, visit albanycountyny.gov/opioids.