Celebrating recovery and recognizing partners in drug prevention
The Delaware County Heroin Task Force and the Partners for Success Coalition will hold the 5th Annual Community Day, Celebrating Prevention on Saturday on April 20 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm, rain or shine, in Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road in Media.
The annual event is held to raise awareness about drug abuse and addiction in a family friendly setting with activities that celebrate prevention and recovery. In addition to free food, live music and fun activities, including an Easter Egg Hunt, there will be various participating drug prevention and rehabilitation organizations onsite who will provide resources and services for parents and youth. During the event, the District Attorney’s Mobile Drug Collection Unit will be on site for residents to dispose of their expired and unwanted medications. Through the county-wide drug drop collection program, more than 14 tons of drugs have been collected since the program began in October 2013.
“Community Day is about coming together, sharing personal recovery stories and celebrating the fact that overcoming addiction is happening,” said District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland, Chair of the Delaware County Heroin Task Force. “We know that our nation is battling a prescription drug and heroin epidemic. But we also know that people are overcoming addiction. Over a year span, we have seen an overall reduction in the number of opioid-related overdose deaths here in Delaware County. While we still have a great deal of work to do, Community Day is a time when we can all come together and celebrate the success of those who have overcome the ills of substance use disorder.”
Prevention Partnership Awards will be presented to recognize several members of the community for their outstanding and dedicated work in prevention and education.
The recipients of the 2019 Prevention Partnership Awards are:
Linda Barbera, Program Coordinator for Delaware County Treatment Court
Chrissie Corson, Female Program Director for MVP Recovery
Joe Ditomo, graduate of MVP Recovery
Cathie Pfaff, member of Partners for Success Coalition and a moderator for NOPE
Springfield CARES Coalition
In September 2012, the Delaware County Heroin Task Force was formed to reduce the number of opioid related deaths and raise awareness about the epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse. Since then, the Heroin Task Force has become a model program, receiving both state and national recognition for its progressive initiatives and proactive programs. The Partners for Success Coalition is the community branch of the Heroin Task Force. Each day, the members work to make a difference in people’s lives by educating youth about the dangers of prescription drugs and connecting individuals with recovery resources.
The 5th Annual Community Day is funded by the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health, Division of Drug and Alcohol, and is coordinated by Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems. It is made possible through the Delaware County Heroin Task Force and Partners for Success Coalition.