Spectrum Health marks International Overdose Awareness Day: Global initiative & educational opportunity spans 2 nights

Spectrum Health and Human Services will present the third annual “Not One More – Stand Together to End Overdose,” a free evening of remembrance and information from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, at Veterans Memorial Park, 1250 Union Road (behind the Town Hall), West Seneca.

A press release stated, “This free and family-friendly event is a community collaboration to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day, a global initiative to raise awareness and remember lives lost.

“Friends and family members are invited to bring a photograph of a loved one who lost their life to overdose. These photos will be added to custom-made ‘We Remember Them’ banner designed by Spectrum Health’s Kristina Moore, R.N. The banner will hang in the Town of West Seneca Community Center atrium in September.

Two musical performances make the evening a celebration of life. Grace Stumberg and Tina Marie Williams open the event at 4 p.m. The press release noted, “These two local acoustic singer/songwriters have performed together for many years; their powerful voices and guitar playing styles are exceptional. Blues, rock, jazz, and their own independently written songs have a natural organic sound that is sure to captivate your ears.

“The Patti Parks Band takes the stage at 5:30 p.m. Patti Parks is a world-renowned blues singer and the founder of Nursin’ Blues, a music therapy program that helps high risk youth cope with the emotions as they recover from drug addiction. She’s also the mom of a young man who lost his life to an overdose in 2019.”

There will be family activities, including the “Imagination Playground” from the Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum, “Y on the Fly” from the YMCA Buffalo Niagara, the Healthy Cruiser from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, and face painting and performances by dancers from the METTS Dance Studio in West Seneca.

Representatives from local agencies will be on site with resources, including Erie County’s Department of Health opiate task force, Spectrum Health’s Buffalo H.O.P.E. team, Endeavor Health, Save the Michaels of the World, Horizon Health Services and Narcotics Anonymous.

On Tuesday, Aug. 29, representatives from Spectrum Health’s medication assisted treatment program will be in Larkin Square at the final “Food Truck Tuesday” of the season to distribute Narcan kits and provide information and training.

For more information, visit www.shswny.org.

Spectrum Health and Human Services provides mental health, addiction, rehabilitation, care coordination, housing and crisis services in locations throughout Western New York. Founded in 1973, it is also a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC). Visit www.shswny.org.