Drug overdose is something that affects people from all walks of life. The shame and stigma associated with substance use disorder creates a kind of veil of silence that can hide this crisis from public view. Last year, our congregation placed 110 light blue flags on our front lawn to raise awareness of the 110 lives that were lost in Dutchess County in 2020 to drug overdose. This proved to be a powerful means to break the silence surrounding drug overdose and offer a message of healing and solidarity to the thousands of people who drive and walk by our church every day. This year we will be placing 94 flags to reflect the slightly lower number of overdose deaths in Dutchess County in 2021. We’ll also have extra flags and permanent markers available for people to record the name of a loved one lost and then place on our lawn in their memory. 

**Save the Date and Plan to Join us!**

We will also be hosting a candlelight vigil on our front lawn on International Overdose Awareness Day, Wednesday, August 31st at 7:00pm. This event is being organized by Cornerstone Family Healthcare, along with the Center for Recovery and Hudson Valley Community Services.