Candlelight Vigil Planned In Oxford To Raise Awareness Over Opioid Crisis

OXFORD, CT — First Selectman George R. Temple said Wednesday the town will hold a “Lights of Hope” candlelight vigil in September to make people aware of the opioid problems in town and in the state.

Temple said the vigil will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, at the Center School Gazebo, 462 Oxford Road. The event will be held rain or shine and there will be music, food, guest speakers and a candlelight ceremony. All are welcome and the event is free.

Temple said the first step in solving any problem is being made aware of the problem. “The candlelight vigil will enhance our awareness of the opioid situation in Oxford and Connecticut and will allow us to focus on our efforts in attacking this heinous situation.’’

Sue Schiavi, one of the organizers of the vigil said the event is to make people more aware of what’s going on and to remember those who have been lost and support families facing addiction. She said they hope to provide resources for those who are struggling.

Schiavi said statistics show Oxford has one of the highest death rates from opioids per population of 13,000 and that there were seven deaths in 2016.

Temple has since formed an Opioid Crisis Steering Committee and the vigil is the first step for the committee which decided to hold it in September in observation of National Recovery Month.