Attendees at a candlelight vigil held on Aug. 30 to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day were given the opportunity to pay tribute to those impacted by substance use and created personalized luminaries in their honor. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
The Tioga County Allies in Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) hosted their first candlelight vigil on Aug. 30 to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day.
About 50 people gathered at the gazebo within the Courthouse Square for the event. This year’s theme, “Time to Remember, Time to Act,” allowed attendees the opportunity to pay tribute to those impacted by substance use and create personalized luminaries in their honor.
A global effort, the event raises awareness of overdose, works to reduce the stigma of drug-related death and also spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.
Guest speakers reflected on personal stories while several area agencies offered a variety of resources at the event. A silent, candlelit remembrance walk took place from the Courthouse Square to Front Street, and then to Lake Street and Main Street before returning to the gazebo. The walking path was chosen to also thank area businesses that helped support the event.
Representatives of the Tioga County COTI program (Center of Treatment Innovation), a mobile organization that helps individuals battling addiction access treatment, were on hand to speak to guests. COTI can help gain access to opioid withdrawal medication and treatment, medical and mental health services, peer support, and more. Call CASA-Trinity COTI program at (607) 223-4826 for information.
Guests gather at the gazebo in the Owego Courthouse Square on Aug. 30 for the Tioga County Allies in Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) candlelight vigil, which commemorated International Overdose Awareness Day. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
The Tioga County Mental Hygiene Open Access, located at 1062 State Rte. 38 in Owego offers walk-in services for mental health and alcohol and drug help. Call (607) 687-0200 or (607) 687-4000 for information. After hours and weekends, call (607) 687-1010.
The Tioga County Public Health office is also a resource and can be reached at (607) 687-8612.
CASA-Trinity, located at 6 McMaster St., Suite 3 in Owego, is available at (607) 223-4066 or by email to tiogacountyasap@gmail.com. You can also follow Tioga County ASAP on Facebook.
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