The fifth annual International Overdose Awareness Day Vigil was held on August 26 on the lawn of the Sullivan County Courthouse. The event was to provide support to those who may be struggling, educate the public by reducing the stigma and remembering those who have lost their lives to substance use. Hosted by Sullivan 180, the gathering drew the community together in solidarity, reflection and hope.

Although Sullivan County has been one of the areas most affected by the crisis, it is the local efforts that have led to a significant reduction. Still, the event is to remind the public of the struggles that are still happening and the urgent need to come together and do more.

“If you haven’t been affected directly by the opioid crisis in Sullivan County, you know somebody who has” the organizer of the event, Lindsay Wheat, said. “This is a space to come together, to honor those lost, to celebrate those in recovery, and to do so without stigma.”

This year’s theme, “one big family,” reminded attendees that the substance related crisis and recovery is a shared experience. “It’s easy to feel isolated, ashamed or alone,” Wheat said. “But the truth is, we are not alone, we are part of a community and we are all united.” 

Following Wheat’s remarks, the posting of the colors was revealed with deep purple beams of light, as the national anthem was performed. Organizers of the event spoke about their heartbreaking experiences with the crisis and that they’re fighting for access to care, harm reduction, mental health support and policy reform.

The event also featured a testimony from Dorothy D’ornellas Sanchez, who shared the personal experience about her son Johnathan, who struggled with addiction and the systemic failures following his unexpected late-night release from jail, when he returned to Monticello, an environment he felt triggered his addiction, and lost his life. “There was no other options, no placement, no structure, no care plan, no rescue,” she said. Though she thanked the officers, EMS and ER staff for “always showing up and saving him, it was the system limitations that had failed him.” She has since advocated for the Johnathan’s Legacy Legislation to better support how policies respond to addiction.

The evening then closed with prayer, the reading of the names of loved ones lost and a candlelight vigil, a quiet but powerful reminder that no one walks this journey alone.