Dunkirk

The signature event of Overdose Awareness Week is the third annual Be the Light: Anyone Can Save a Life, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the lower pavilion in Point Gratiot Park in Dunkirk.

Be the Light combines education, prevention, remembrance, family activities and community connection into one evening designed to reduce stigma, build hope, and bring lifesaving resources directly to the people who need them.

Event highlights include a community resource fair featuring local organizations, live music by Miranda Wilcox, community yoga led by Dyann Bourne of Reborne Wellness, stories of hope and recovery, children’s activities, face painting, games and prizes. Evergreen Health will provide free opioid overdose prevention education, naloxone (Narcan) training, harm reduction resources, and medication disposal education. Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone will present information about New York State’s 911 Good Samaritan Law. The evening will also include food, a basket raffle and 50/50 fundraiser, and freshly pressed Together We Can CHQ event T-shirts available for purchase.

As the evening concludes, attendees will gather for a community remembrance vigil led by the Rev. Jim LaBarr of Harvest Chapel. The ceremony will include a moment of silence, prayer and a purple glow wand tribute honoring the lives of those lost to accidental overdose.