WESTFIELD-City and state officials – along with several community organizations – will gather on Sept. 7 to observe International Overdose Awareness Day and area residents are encouraged to join them.
“Addiction is a community problem,” said Kathleen Sitler, Westfield’s opioid task force coordinator. “We always encourage every member of our community to attend events like this. Addiction affects all of us.”
The third annual candlelight vigil, conducted by the Greater Westfield Drug Task Force, begins at 6 p.m. on the Park Square Green.
Sitler noted that her role as coordinator revolves around four key areas – treatment, intervention, education and awareness.
“Those individuals who struggle with addiction and their loved ones need our support,” said Sitler. “This is not only an illness that only affects one particular group of people. Any one of us, regardless of our backgrounds, has the potential to fall prey to this disease.”
Sitler said her job not only involves helping those who are already suffering with the illness of addiction, but to also find ways to offer support to them as well as their loved ones.
“We also must consider our young people who will be faced with the choice of becoming involved with drug or alcohol use and how best to give them the tools to reject the ideas of drug/alcohol involvement,” she added.
Kathleen Sitler, Westfield’s opioid task force coordinator, speaks at the 2017 candle light vigil. (WNG file photo)
Lastly, Sitler said that talking about this problem in the Greater Westfield area will help people understand this issue has not “gone away.”
“The task force facilitates meetings with community leaders to try to ensure that we are coming up with the best solutions we can to these identified areas (treatment, intervention, education, awareness),” she said.
Currently, task force members participate in health fairs, events in the Westfield schools, and community outreach programs.
“There are many individuals from all over our community who work tirelessly to provide services, education and raise awareness to this problem,” said Sitler.
Sitler said the task force includes members from the city’s school department, police and fire departments, Mayor Brian Sullivan, Baystate Noble Hospital, Genesis Spiritual Life Center, the Department of Public Health, the YMCA of Greater Westfield, a family member of a loved one who lost his battle with addiction, and state Rep. John Velis and state Sen. Donald Humason, Jr.
“Each individual on this task force plays an important role in addressing these four identified areas,” said Sitler.
Sitler said she is currently putting together a plan to receive monthly statistics regarding numbers of overdose calls that the Westfield Fire Department receives.
“Mayor Sullivan has pledged that we are a city without stigma,” said Sitler. “I know that there are many people in this community who are afraid to find help and support for their own or a loved one’s addiction because they feel they will be criticized or shamed. Stigma is a real problem and a potential stumbling block to getting the help and/or support people desperately need. I am asking that our community get behind those who suffer with addiction and to lend our support.”
As part of the reflective and informative program, Stephanie Greene from No First Time (evangfoundation.org) will discuss her organization as well as her family’s personal journey coping with the loss of a loved one to overdose. Also, local leaders and faith-based groups will be on hand to say a few words and lend support to those who need it, and music will be provided by a group of musicians led by Brian Barnes. Pastor Barbara Hesse from the Second Congregational Church will deliver a closing message to those in attendance.
Attendees of the 2017 Overdose Awareness Vigil on Westfield’s Park Square green listen to some of the stage performances. (WNG file photo)
The task force’s “signature piece” called the Wall of Healing and Hope will also be on display as an active piece of art. The wall was created three years ago to allow anyone who would like to write a message to do so. Materials will be available to write messages and people are also welcome to bring photos of their loved ones to post.
The candles that will be used for the vigil are being provided through a donation from Father Daniel Pacholec, pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church.
“Father Pacholec has provided the candles for the past three years,” said Sitler, adding, “We are grateful for his donations.”
Sitler noted the task force will also be asking business owners in the downtown area to consider placing a flameless candle in their windows beginning Aug. 31 and keep them burning in the week leading up to the vigil. The candles will be provided by the task force at no cost to the business owners.
“Members of the task force will be visiting these businesses late this week,” said Sitler. “We are hopeful that many businesses will agree to put these candles on display in a strong show of support to those who are struggling with addiction.”
The Thursday September 6 Westfield News Radio Show will have both Kathleen Sitler and Kristine Hupfer, of the city’s opioid task force, as guests to speak about the vigil and other drug awareness concerns. Tune in from 6-8am on WSKB 89.5fm, watch on Comcast channel 15 or stream online at www.wskb.org or www.westfieldtv.org.
