We are your friends, neighbors, co-workers. We are families who have been affected by the opioid epidemic. Families and friends can assist their loved ones by being educated on this disease, learning disease management, being aware of available treatment options, and developing ways to engage those who are in the grips of this SUD (substance use disorder) with collaboration.
The Family & Consumer Support and Advocacy Committee works to put a face to the opioid epidemic by hosting annual events and days of remembrance. The committee shares information with families, including educating them about local ongoing trends and providing grief resources. Members of the committee advocate for the inclusion of families in collaborative task force efforts, as families provide the opportunity for early intervention and serve as the central support system. The committee is rooted in the belief of person-centered care and compassionate treatment of our community members.
Committee Goals
- Disseminate information on substance use disorders.
- Enhance harm reduction knowledge and accessibility.
- Promote compassionate care with person-first language.
- Improve information access for families through collaboration with healthcare professionals.
- Foster long-term collaboration to save lives and not turn people away from treatment, advocate for humane treatment, enforce consequences for drug dealers, and uphold research standards.
Purpose of Committee
- Advocate for compassionate treatment for community members.
- Identify service gaps for quality care.
- Encourage kindness and care in interactions.
- Raise awareness about substance use disorders.
- Educate the community on person-centered care, emphasizing compassionate interactions, individualized language, and shared decision-making.
Education Awareness Events
Tree of Remembrance and Hope
To remember those lost to the opioid epidemic and to show support for those in need of treatment, the Tree of Hope is on display in the Erie County Office Building’s lobby for December. Ornaments featuring the names and photos individuals lost to overdoses and of individuals in recovery decorate the tree.
Date: December, occurs annually
Location: Erie County Office Building Lobby (Rath Building), 95 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY, 14202
Share your photos for the Tree of Hope
Black Balloon Day
To recognize and celebrate lives lost from the opioid epidemic, Black Balloon Day involves a reading of the names of people who died of an overdose.
Date: March 6, occurs annually
Location: Participants can display a balloon (in front of homes, businesses, or virtually) to remember loved ones.
International Overdose Awareness Day
International Overdose Awareness Day is an annual event to remember those who have died and recognize the grief felt by families impacted by overdose deaths. The Erie County Office of Harm Reduction sets up hundreds of signs on the lawn of Old County Hall in downtown Buffalo as a visual representation of the lives lost to the opioid epidemic. Those who wish to participate can share photos of family members lost to the epidemic.
Date: August 31, occurs annually
Location: 92 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Day of Remembrance Registration Form
Erie County Observes International Overdose Awareness Day - YouTube
Resources
- Grief Support Groups
- Helping Parents Heal
- Horizon Health Parent and Family Support Programs or call 716-907-2985
- Best Self Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing or call 716-539-5260
- Suicide Loss Group/Loss from Stigmatized Death: Our Lady of Charity Parish Center, 260 Okell St, Buffalo, NY
- Life Transitions Center or call 716-836-6460
- Stutzman Treatment Center Support Group or call 716-882-4900
- The Hope Group Hamburg or call 716-649-2010
- Grasp Grief Group or call 716-903-3247
- Let’s Talk about Grief – a newsletter from the Erie County Office of Health Equity
- Death Teaches
- Journey of Hearts
- Bereaved Parents of the USA
Contact
The Family and Consumer Support & Advocacy Committee is led by:
Debra Smith
Email: smitdd20@aol.com