--- title: "October 2026 Overdose Prevention Champion Spotlight: Orlee Sonnenschein" description: NYC Shelter Health Overdose Prevention Champion October 2026 highlight --- [Skip to content](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-blog/champion-spotlight-orlee-sonnenschein#main-content) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # October 2026 Overdose Prevention Champion Spotlight: Orlee Sonnenschein [DHS Harm Reduction & Overdose Prevention Program](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-blog/author/dhs-harm-reduction-overdose-prevention-program) October 2026 This month's Overdose Prevention Champion spotlight is Orlee Sonnenschein from West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing. *Learn more about the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) [Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention Program](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-harm-reduction-toolkit).* *“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” — Mahatma Gandhi*   ![Overdose Prevention Champion Profile](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/hubfs/DHS%20Harm%20Reduction/Blog/Overdose%20Prevention%20Champion%20Profile.png) For the past 10 years, Orlee Sonnenschein has grown professionally and personally while supporting individuals experiencing homelessness at Valley Lodge & West 108th Street. With a background in social work, Orlee entered the shelter system looking for an opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge herself. What began as a new experience quickly became a meaningful career dedicated to helping residents navigate health, wellness, and crises. Her indomitable will for change helps inspire the lives in the shelter and support she provides. Today, as a Wellness Manager, Orlee serves as a liaison between medical providers, psychiatrists, social workers, staff, and residents. Orlee also supervises the medication team, supports shelter and permanent housing programs, coordinates responses to medical and psychiatric emergencies, and leads wellness programming and staff development.   *“When you work in a shelter, you have to expect the unexpected.”* One rewarding thing about this role is that every day there’s something new to learn; no two days are the same. Some days focus on meetings, medication concerns, wellness programming, and coordinating care, while others involve responding to urgent medical or psychiatric situations. Through it all, flexibility, patience, and the ability to think on their feet remain essential.   For Orlee, one of the most rewarding parts of the work is seeing residents take ownership of their health. A resident who was once resistant to seeing a doctor may eventually walk in and ask for medical support on their own. Those moments, whether big or small, represent meaningful progress. Building those relationships starts with meeting residents where they are. Listening without judgment, being patient, and allowing residents to get to know you are all important parts of developing trust. Sometimes, even a little appropriate humor can help break down barriers and create a more comfortable environment.   As an Overdose Prevention Champion for four years, Orlee plays an important role in ensuring both staff and residents are prepared to respond to an overdose. New staff receive practical overdose response and Narcan training, with an emphasis on what they need to know and do during an actual emergency. Residents are reached through flyers, social workers, and community meetings. According to Orlee, clients are generally receptive to the training and appreciate leaving with both knowledge and a Narcan kit that could potentially save a life. Having assisted with numerous onsite overdose responses, Orlee has seen firsthand how quickly Narcan can work and how critical those first moments can be. *"Those moments are time-sensitive and can make all the difference.”*   Orlee’s motivation comes from believing that people who use substances deserve consistent support, without judgment. Change may take time, but having someone in your corner can make a difference. Looking ahead, Orlee believes shelters can further strengthen overdose prevention by developing more partnerships with substance use counselors and outside providers, while continuing to expand harm reduction education and access to resources such as Narcan. Orlee’s message is simple: bring more support, education, and resources directly into shelters. By doing so, we can help create safer, healthier communities and give residents the support they need to keep moving forward. [Overdose Prevention Champions](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-blog/tag/overdose-prevention-champions) ## Related Posts - [NYC Shelter Health](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health) - [Harm Reduction](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-harm-reduction-toolkit) - [Mental Health](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-mental-health-toolkit) - [Family Health](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-family-health-toolkit) © 2026 All rights reserved. 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