MAYVILLE, NY – In recognition of Overdose Awareness Week, the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, and the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County, in collaboration with the CHQ Together We Can Coalition, is hosting a series of events aimed at raising awareness about overdose prevention and honoring those who have been affected by addiction. This year marks the first-ever "Be the Light" event, set to take place on August 31, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Lower Pavilion of Point Gratiot Park in Dunkirk, NY.
The "Be the Light" event is the centerpiece of Overdose Awareness Week, offering an evening of remembrance, support, and hope for the community. The event will feature family-friendly free activities such as live music, inspiring speakers, a Purple Glow Stick Vigil at dusk to honor the lives lost to overdose and much more.
Event Highlights:
- Jade Giambrone: Enjoy live acoustic music by local artist Jade Giambrone between speaker presentations.
- Captain Chris Witkowski: Captain of the Dunkirk Police Department, Chris will be discussing the Good Samaritan Law.
- Seneca Grief and Loss Support Group: Facilitated by peer recovery coach Franchesca Jones, who will speak on the importance of peer support.
- Emma Kubica from Safe Point: Emma will discuss the critical role of peer professional support in addiction recovery.
- Bri Jaynes from Breaking Chains - The Whitney Project: Bri will share her personal story and the inspiration behind the project, founded in memory of her sister who passed away due to accidental overdose.
- Evergreen Health: Overdose prevention, Narcan, and harm reduction resources training.
- Purple Glow Stick Vigil: At 8:00 PM, participants will come together for a moving vigil to remember those who have been lost to overdose.
In addition to the "Be the Light" event, County Executive Paul Wendel Jr. will proclaim Overdose Awareness Week in Chautauqua County on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Dunkirk City Hall. He will be joined by Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz, who will declare Dunkirk City Hall lit in purple for the week to signify the community's solidarity and support for those affected by addiction. Similarly, Jamestown Mayor Kimberly Ecklund will proclaim August 25-31, 2024, as Overdose Awareness Week in Jamestown, with Jamestown City Hall also being illuminated in purple.
These initiatives, part of a larger effort by the CHQ Together We Can Coalition, are designed to foster a supportive community environment and raise awareness about overdose prevention and recovery services. The coalition includes the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County, the Seneca Grief and Loss Support Group, Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, Safe Point Lighthouse, CombatAddictionCHQ, RISE Addiction Grief and Loss Support Group, and Prevention Works.
For more information on how your organization can get involved or to learn more about the events, please contact Jennifer Larson at larsonj@chqgov.com. Additional details can also be found on the Together We Can Facebook page and the official event page: Overdose Awareness Events.
About CHQ Together We Can Coalition:
The CHQ Together We Can Coalition is dedicated to bringing together community resources to combat addiction and support those affected by overdose and substance abuse. Through education, advocacy, and events like "Be the Light," the coalition aims to create a safer, healthier community for all.
