Sunday is International Overdose Awareness Day and for the second year in a row, Niagara Falls will host its own event.
The second annual event in Niagara Falls will take place 2 to 5 p.m. next to Community Missions on Buffalo Avenue. The organization is partnering with the Presenting Alternatives for Treatment and Heating to have activities, speakers, Narcan training, other agencies providing assistance, music, and a space for acknowledging those that passed from overdoses.
“At that time all over the world, we acknowledge individuals who have overdosed and those that passed,” said Josh Anderson, a recovery advocate for PATH. “It’s about helping, supporting, and leading with love however we can.”
Speakers will talk about how overdoses have impacted themselves and their communities. Kids will be able to play with bounce houses, games, and receive a book bag.
Addict2Addict, a program through Independent Living of Niagara County has held its own event in Lockport for going on nine years. Because of the distance from Niagara Falls and because some residents have transportation issues, PATH felt it would be necessary to have a second event in the Cataract City.
Anderson said that despite dealing with Mother Nature last year, the turnout encouraged them to do it again this year. They are preparing for 200 people to show up.
The PATH program receives funding through Niagara County’s opioid settlement, providing resources to individuals and families that have dealt with overdoses.
In Lockport, Sunday’s event will take place at Veterans Memorial Park, 400 East Ave.
The rally organized through Independent Living is part of a global movement to remember those who lost their lives to overdose, support individuals and families affected by addiction, and raise awareness of resources available to prevent future tragedies.
The rally features personal testimonies from local residents, a flameless candlelight vigil and a remembrance table where community members may display photos of their fallen loved ones. In addition, hands-on Narcan training is offered along with access to resources aimed at preventing fatal overdose and supporting long-term recovery. Local service providers will be on hand.
For more information or special accommodations, contact Cynthia Hyde at 716-284-4131, extension 200, or chyde@wnyil.org.