August 30, 2019
CONTACT: Kara Kane 
Email: kara.kane@erie.gov  
Phone: (716) 858-4941

AUGUST 31 MARKS INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force coordinates ceremony to
remember lives lost

ERIE COUNTY, NY – The Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force and its Consumer Support and Advocacy Group have coordinated the fourth annual Candlelight Memorial to remember friends, family members, colleagues and neighbors who have passed away as a result of overdose. Participants and invited guests will meet on Saturday, August 31 at 6:30 pm. at LaSalle Park Pavilion Bandshell in Buffalo.

This event coincides with International Overdose Awareness Day, a global observance started in 2001.  

“As a community we have responded to the opioid epidemic by expanding clinical treatments, increasing access to recovery resources and investing in outreach to those living with addiction,” said Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “With our partners in the medical community, mental health agencies, law enforcement and government, our work to eliminate the stigma around this chronic and deadly disease continues.”

All community members are welcome to attend this free event, especially those who have lost a loved one or family member to an overdose, and those who are facing the active opioid addiction of a family member or close friend.

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What: Fourth Annual Candlelight Memorial on International Overdose Day

When: Saturday, August 31, 6:30 p.m.
Where: LaSalle Park Pavilion, Amvets Drive, Buffalo, NY 14202

Schedule:
- Opening Prayer with Reverend Arthur Boyd, GROUP Ministries
- Michael Adler, U.S. Attorney’s Office – prosecutions
- Story from a family impacted by an overdose
- Reading of the names
- Closing remarks and prayer 

Parking available. Media call (716) 289-2825.

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24-hour Crisis Services Addiction Hotline: (716) 831-7007

Erie County Overdose Recognition and Naloxone Use Trainings: http://www.erie.gov/opioidtrainings  

Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force: http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=opiate-epidemic-task-force

International Overdose Awareness Day: www.overdoseday.com

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