CAASA readies for ‘Celebration of Life’ event

The Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) is in the midst of preparations for its third annual Celebration of Life event to be held on Thursday evening, August 29, at 7 p.m. on the grounds of the Canton Senior Center at 500 Pleasant Street.

The event honors those who have been lost and those currently struggling with the illness of addiction. It is held in late August to coincide with International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31), a global event that aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose is preventable.

CAASA was established in 2013 to address youth substance abuse in Canton with a focus on prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery. The annual Celebration of Life is an extension of that mission and will include music, readings, a speaker, refreshments, and a candle-lighting ceremony in memory of those who have passed. There will also be an opportunity to include your loved one in a reading of names.

This year’s guest speaker is Robyn Houston-Bean, a Massachusetts resident and founder of The Sun Will Rise Foundation. Houston-Bean lost her 20-year-old son to an accidental overdose in 2015 and established a local grief support group, and later the foundation, as a way to honor his memory and to erase the preconceived notions people have about those with substance use disorder.

The musical selections will be performed by Julia Minichiello, a 2019 Canton High School graduate. The program will allow for audience participation as well as readings by members of the Canton School Department, Police and Fire chiefs, Recreation Department, Library Outreach, as well as several other members of CAASA.

It is so very important that those who have been personally touched by this epidemic be supported by all the other members of our community. Please mark your calendars for August 29 at 7 p.m. and plan to be at the Senior Center and light a candle in memory, in love, in support. Show that Canton is a community that truly cares and steps up when called upon.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Aug 17 2019. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.