THE DAMAGE DONE: Candlelight Vigil to Commemorate Overdose Victims in Rockland

On July 20, at 7:30 p.m., Rockland Connects will be hosting a candlelight vigil for overdose victims at Nyack Memorial Park. It invites the Rockland community to come together for a night of collective healing and remembrance.

The night will begin with a moment of silence, followed by a few words from invited guest speakers. Members of the community will be welcomed to say a few words on behalf of their loved ones. Candles will be supplied.

In 2016, Rockland County lost 40 lives to overdose; a huge increase from 2015, when officials estimate the county lost 26 lives to overdose. The overdose death toll in Rockland has been rising since 2003. Across the US, drug overdose has become the leading cause of accidental deaths.

Rockland Connects founder India Perez-Urbano asks the community to remember the brothers, mothers, daughters, and uncles lost to addiction and overdose. It is imperative, she says, that as a community, Rocklanders create space for empowerment, reflection, and action on this difficult issue.

Rockland Connects strives to bring power to the memories of deceased users, while raising awareness and prevention of overdose and addiction.

For more information, contact Rockland Connects at info@rocklandconnects.org.

  Rockland Connects, t Nyack Memorial Park.