The second annual Overdose Awareness Day vigil, hosted by the Tioga County Allies in Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) Coalition, was held on Aug. 30 at Owego’s Courthouse Square. The Coalition consists of several agencies, businesses and individuals within the area.
About 50 people gathered at the Courthouse gazebo for the event, which helps to increase awareness about substance abuse in our area and works to reduce the stigma associated with it.
Attendees paid tribute to those impacted by substance use and created personalized memorial luminaries in remembrance of those who have passed away.
Guest speakers included Marte Sauerbrey, Tioga County Legislative chair; Kylie Holochak, Public Health educator at Tioga County Public Health; and Shawn Monclova, chair of the ASAP Coalition and pastor at Calvary’s Love-Owego.
Representatives from CASA-Trinity and the Tioga County COTI program (Center of Treatment Innovation) were on hand to answer questions and speak to guests about resources and services available.
Guests who participated in a special Narcan training on the Courthouse lawn took home an “Overdose Rescue Kit.” Narcan is used to help reverse an opioid overdose.
Jenna Layton, a Prevention Specialist with CASA-Trinity and Coalition member, explained that stories are tools to help families. The Tioga ASAP encourages individuals to share their stories in an effort to break the stigma surrounding addiction.
“It’s okay to talk about it,” Layton said.
Community members were invited to speak at the event. Owego resident Deborah Smith shared the story of her son Josh, who died of an overdose five years ago.
Smith explained that addiction has no boundaries and it affects everyone. For Josh, she said, it was a constant struggle.
Smith remarked, “Once you do it one time, all you think about is using again.” Today, Smith is left wondering if Josh might still be alive if Narcan had been available during the time he was using.
Smith concluded with these encouraging words, “You are not alone, and today there are so many resources available.”
Candace Jamieson shared her personal story of addiction. She recently celebrated three years of sobriety, and told guests, “I’m living proof there is hope.”
Jamieson continued, “Addiction consumes you, it’s all you think about,” and added, “You can hate the addiction, but don’t hate the person.”
Jamieson is grateful for help she received, and said about her progress; “I now have all three of my children back in my home. I have a job and I have a car now. My life is beautiful today.”
Monclova offered a prayer, and remarked, “We are hopeful that our continued actions will save lives.”
The event concluded with a silent, candlelit remembrance walk from the Courthouse Square to Front Street, and then to Lake Street and Main Street. Walkers strolled by the newly renovated Baker Fireman’s Fountain before returning to the gazebo.
Call (607) 223-4826 to speak to a COTI Certified Peer Recovery Specialist for free and confidential help.
A CASA-Trinity counselor screens clients for a history of opiate use and educates them on available addiction medications available that could help their recovery efforts. CASA-Trinity, located at 72 North Ave. in Owego, can also be reached by calling (607) 223-4826. You can also visit www.casa-trinity.org.Overdose Awareness Day vigil brings community together
Follow Tioga County ASAP on Facebook and Instagram, or view their website at tiogaasap.org.
For emergency assistance after hours and weekends, call (607) 687-1010.
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