Select Board backs CAASA overdose awareness efforts

By Mike Berger

For the second consecutive year, the Select Board enthusiastically approved a request by the Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) to promote International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31) on public property and through the posting of purple ribbons.

Each year CAASA holds a “Celebration of Life” on or around International Overdose Awareness Day to honor the memory of those lost and those who are struggling with the illness of substance abuse.

This year’s event will be held August 31 at 7 p.m. on the front lawn of the Canton Senior Center at 500 Pleasant Street. The program will include music, readings, a speaker, and an opportunity to read the names of loved ones lost.

Harriet Burak, a veteran member of CAASA, told the Select Board on Tuesday that purple is the color associated with opioid addiction and CAASA is promoting awareness during the month of August with lawn signs and purple ribbons. The board gave the alliance permission to place signs at public buildings in Canton such as the police and fire stations, Town Hall, Pequitside Farm, the Armando Recreation Center and the Senior Center. CAASA also received permission to place purple ribbons on the lawn posts in downtown Canton. Burak said all signs and ribbons will be removed the day after the event on September 1.

Burak said last year’s town endorsement helped raised social media awareness and encouraged people to attend the Celebration of Life. Canton residents will also have an opportunity to get a sign and/or ribbon to display on their property. For more information, visit CantonAlliance.org and watch for upcoming announcements in the Citizen …

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