Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
WALKING TO COMBAT OPIOID, HEROIN CRISIS
More than 1,000 participate in event
WEST CHESTER >> More than 1,000 race participants and supporters of all ages came together in Everhart Park in West Chester on Saturday morning at the start of the Chester County Color 5K, a color run and walk benefiting programs that will combat the opioid and heroin crisis in Chester County.
With the support of lead sponsor Independence Blue Cross, the Chester County Commissioners, District Attorney, the Department of Drug & Alcohol Services and the Health Department hosted the Color 5K, run through the streets of West Chester Borough on Saturday morning.
The event has raised tens of thousands of dollars to support the county’s new program, Community Outreach and Prevention Education, or COPE, that is addressing many aspects of substance abuse addiction. COPE is borne out of the Chester County Overdose
“Chester County lost 144 in 2017 to accidental overdose. For many of us here that is so much more than a number.” — Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline
Prevention Task Force and is providing 24-hours-aday, seven-days-a-week emergency room support for overdose survivors and their families. The program also provides overdose prevention information and outreach to first responders, hospital staff, family members and friends; and importantly, provides expedited admission into detox and a review of all treatment options for overdose survivors who agree to treatment.
In her comments to everyone before yesterday’s Color 5K, Chester County Commissioners Chair Michelle Kichline said, “Chester County lost 144 in 2017 to accidental overdose. For many of us here that is so much more than a number. It’s personal…it’s tragic… and it hurts.
“We know that we have to be aggressive and smart in fighting the opioid and heroin battle, and the money we’re raising with this event will help to continue fund that smart fight,” added Kichline.
Before and after the race, participants signed a special banner that noted that Chester County “Remembers those who have lost, or who are still battling the disease of addiction.” For many who signed, it was a personal memorial to loved ones.
In addition, 18 organizations that support drug & alcohol information and recovery services in Chester County offered information and adivce, and a supply of the medication Narcan was made available to those who asked for it.
Color blasters marked the start of the Chester County Color 5K and color stations along the route doused participants with brightly colored cornstarch.