WEST CHESTER, PA — As part of Chester County’s ongoing commitment to tackle the opioid epidemic, the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services will observe “International Overdose Awareness Day” on Saturday, August 31, 2024. This global initiative encourages communities to raise awareness about overdose, reduce the stigma related to drug-related deaths, and remember the lives lost to overdoses.
This year’s theme, ‘Together We Can,’ emphasizes the strength of community solidarity in addressing substance use disorders. Chester County will display 84 purple pinwheels, each representing a life lost to accidental overdose in the county in 2023, in front of the Chester County Justice Center on Market Street. From August 28 through September 3, these pinwheels will also be displayed at the Government Services Center on Westtown Road.
A key event, “Night of Light,” will take place on the evening of August 28 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on the steps of the Historic Courthouse in West Chester. This event aims to unify the community in advocacy for a future free from substance-related tragedies. Jamie Johnson, Executive Director of the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services, highlighted the event’s significance: “Night of Light is a special event that brings us all together to advocate for a future free from substance-related tragedies. It is here that we will remember the lives lost to substance use disorders and bring hope to those working towards long-term recovery.”
The event will feature local resource tables, keynote speakers, and a luminary ceremony to honor both the lives lost and those striving for recovery. “While it is worth noting that the number of accidental overdose deaths in Chester County has reduced from 111 in 2022 to 84 in 2023, one life lost is still one too many,” stated Johnson. She reiterated Chester County’s message that “recovery works, treatment is available, and people do recover from substance use disorders.”
The county encourages residents to utilize the resources available through the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services. More information can be found on their website or by calling the Chester County Information and Referral line at 866-286-3767.
The recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day in Chester County aims to not only honor those who have lost their lives to overdose, but also raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorders.
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