Erie County: Turning anguish into awareness

On International Overdose Awareness Day, families and loved ones remember lives lost to opioid epidemic

Submitted by the Erie County Department of Health

International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31 signals a painful reminder of thousands of lives lost due to an opioid overdose in Erie County. Out of the grief shared by family members and loved ones comes a day of healing and advocacy.

Starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, the Erie County Department of Health and Opiate Epidemic Task Force will coordinate a display on the front lawn of Old County Hall (92 Franklin St., at Church, downtown Buffalo). This display will show pictures and names of local residents who died of an opioid overdose; these community members are not forgotten. Closing prayer begins at 6 p.m.

Family members and friends are invited to share a picture and name with the Opiate Epidemic Task Force to be included in this presentation. Send to [email protected]. Other information, such as date of birth, date of passing, and brief special memories, are welcome.

ECDOH has scheduled classes for opioid overdose recognition and Narcan use for overdose reversal through the end of 2022. Visit www.erie.gov/opioidtrainings to register for these free classes – online or in-person.

For more:

√ Register for ECDOH opioid trainings: http://www.erie.gov/opioidtrainings

√ Text for Narcan: 716-225-5473

√ Request an emergency Narcan box for your business: 716-858-7695