HERO Project in Bethel to Hold Overdose Awareness Day Vigil

BETHEL, CT — The HERO Project will be holding its second annual vigil, remembering those who lost their lives to addiction, on Friday, Aug. 31, International Overdose Awareness Day.

The global event, conceived by an Australian branch of the Salvation Army, aims to reduce the stigma of addiction and drug-related death. HERO -- the Bethel-based Heroin and Opiate Awareness Project -- was founded by resident Donald Olson in 2015 following the death of his nephew to opiate abuse.
HERO Project spokesperson Julia Ambrosi describes the annual vigil as "a bittersweet event, but it's really nice that everyone comes together."

During the rest of the year, HERO volunteers are active throughout Bethel educating residents about drug and opiate abuse and addiction. In the coming year, the group hopes to stage an event with Power To The Parent, whose mission is to provide caregivers with the resources to determine whether their children are abusing drugs or alcohol.

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For its part, Bethel has embraced the young group with its typical enthusiasm.

"Bethel's been great!" Ambrosi said. "We get so much support, the Chamber of Commerce has been so supportive, any time we need a space, it's never been a problem."

The vigil proper will begin when the sun sets Friday, but people will begin gathering outside the United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. There will be music and speakers, including the Rev. John Parille, the church's pastor. Participants are encouraged to provide an item of non-perishable food as a donation to the food pantry.

Once its dark, the gathered will light candles and luminaria -- candles within bags that have been inscribed with the names and initials of those loved ones lost to addiction.

"Imagine," Ambrosi said. "People just coming together and supporting each other!"

Photo provided.