DELAWARE COUNTY, PA – ਸਤੰਬਰ 3, 2024 – Senators John I. Kane (D-Delaware/Chester) and Tim Kearney (D–Delaware) hosted their annual community Overdose Awareness Vigil on ਅਗਸਤ 29, at the Delaware County Courthouse, marking International Overdose Awareness Day.
This year’s vigil, held two days before the official International Overdose Awareness Day on ਅਗਸਤ 31st, brought together elected officials, community members, and families affected by the opioid crisis. The event honored lives lost in Delaware County due to drug overdoses and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to reducing the stigma of addiction and providing support to those in need.
Senator John I. Kane reflected on the event, saying, “Each year, this vigil serves as a powerful reminder of the lives we’ve lost and the work we must continue to do. It’s crucial that we come together as a community to fight this epidemic and provide support and resources to those who need it most. We continue to gather here year after year to let our community members know we see them, and that we are here for them. Whether they’re grieving the loss of a loved one or still struggling with substance use, we want them to know that help is available.”
According to recent data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, over 107,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2023. In Pennsylvania, the situation remains critical, with a Pennsylvanian losing their life to a drug overdose every two hours on average. Delaware County reported over 200 overdose-related deaths in 2023. The increase in overdose deaths has been exacerbated by the lethal prevalence of fentanyl.
“Hosting this annual Overdose Awareness Vigil is crucial and brings our community together to honor those we’ve lost and to support survivors, while reinforcing our commitment to fighting the opioid crisis,” said Senator Kearney. “This year marks the 4th year that Senator Kane and I have hosted this event, and our dedication remains strong as we continue to advocate for more comprehensive legislation and support systems to ensure that no one in our community has to face these challenges alone.”
The vigil featured remarks from several elected officials and community leaders. Speakers included Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, and Delaware County Council President Monica Taylor. Community voices were represented by Brian Corson, CEO of MVP Recovery; Melodie McCredie, a recovery specialist; Felisa Peresi, a recovery house intake coordinator; and Reverend Kayla Sadowy.
As in previous years, attendees gathered with lit candles as the sun set with Senator Cappelletti and Representative Borowski reading the names of Delaware County residents who tragically passes away due to overdose in the past year.
Several local organizations offering substance use disorder resources and information were present at the event, including MVP Recovery, Keystone Center, Mirmont Treatment Center, and Delaware County Human Services.
The Senators reminded attendees that their district offices continue to offer free Narcan. Any business, group, or individual interested in obtaining Narcan should contact one of their district offices.
To see the full video from the event, click here. Additional photos are available online.
For more information about substance use disorder resources or to obtain Narcan, please contact Senator Kane’s office at 610-447-5845.
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