WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County’s Department of Drug & Alcohol Services has announced participation in International Overdose Awareness Day on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. On this day, the County will join communities around the world in encouraging residents, businesses, and organizations to raise awareness of overdose, reduce the stigma surrounding overdoses and drug-related deaths, remember the lives lost to overdose, and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends who have lost a loved one.
To mark the occasion, 109 pinwheels representing the 109 lives lost in Chester County to accidental overdose in 2021 will be displayed in front of the Chester County Justice Center on Market Street in West Chester and the Government Services Center on Westtown Road. In addition, the public is invited to attend “Night of Light” on Wednesday, August 31st from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm at the Chester County Historic Courthouse in West Chester.
“This year, we join communities across the country, and the world, to remember the lives lost to, and those still battling substance use disorders,” said Vince Brown, Executive Director of the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services.
“Substance use disorders are still extremely prevalent,” Brown added. “We encourage all residents, businesses, and community groups to join us in raising awareness of substance use disorders and wiping out the stigma attached to it.
On the evening of August 31, “Night of Light” will focus on those in Chester County lost to substance use disorders and bring hope to those working toward long-term recovery. The evening will feature local resource tables, keynote speakers, free naloxone kits and a luminary ceremony. For more information on Night of Light, please visit stopodchesco.org/events.
Additionally, the County recently announced the date of its 2022 Chester County Color 5K, an event aimed at raising awareness, reducing the stigma, and raising funds to support overdose survivors, their families, and friends. The Chester County Color 5K will be held at a new location this year, the Chester Valley Trail in Exton Park on Saturday morning, October 8th. For more information on the Color 5K Walk/Run, go to chesco.org/color5k.
For more information and resources on all drug and alcohol services and programs, visit the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services website at chesco.org/DrugandAlcohol, or call the Chester County Information and Referral line at 866-286-3767.
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