James B. Quattrone Sheriff at Chautauqua County | Official website
James B. Quattrone Sheriff at Chautauqua County | Official website
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, will host a series of events to raise awareness about overdose prevention and honor those affected by addiction. This year marks the inaugural "Be the Light" event, scheduled for 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 dedicated to remembrance, support, and hope for the community. The event will feature family-friendly activities such as live music, inspiring speakers, and a Purple Glow Stick Vigil at dusk to honor lives lost to overdose.
Event highlights include:
- Jade Giambrone: Local artist Jade Giambrone will perform live acoustic music between speaker presentations.
- Captain Chris Witkowski: Captain of the Dunkirk Police Department will discuss 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 inspiration behind the project founded in memory of her sister who passed away due to accidental overdose.
- Evergreen Health: Training on overdose prevention, Narcan use, and harm reduction resources.
- Purple Glow Stick Vigil: At 8:00 PM, participants will gather for a vigil to remember those lost to overdose.
In addition to "Be the Light," 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. Similarly, Jamestown Mayor Kimberly Ecklund will proclaim August 25-31 as Overdose Awareness Week in Jamestown with Jamestown City Hall also illuminated in purple.
These initiatives are part of a broader effort by the CHQ Together We Can Coalition to foster a supportive community environment and raise awareness about overdose prevention and recovery services. The coalition includes organizations such as the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County, Seneca Grief and Loss Support Group, Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, Safe Point Lighthouse CombatAddictionCHQ RISE Addiction Grief and Loss Support Group Prevention Works
For more information or to learn how your organization can get involved contact Jennifer Larson at larsonj@chqgov.com Additional details can also be found on Facebook page 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 Through education advocacy events like Be Light coalition aims create safer healthier community all
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