{"id":79515,"date":"2026-08-26T23:21:17","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T03:21:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/?p=79515"},"modified":"2026-08-26T23:21:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T03:21:17","slug":"batavia-raising-awareness-and-remembering-those-who-we-have-lost-gow-overdose-awareness-event-at-austin-park-in-its-7th-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2026\/08\/26\/batavia-raising-awareness-and-remembering-those-who-we-have-lost-gow-overdose-awareness-event-at-austin-park-in-its-7th-year\/","title":{"rendered":"BATAVIA\/Raising awareness and remembering those who we have lost, GOW Overdose Awareness event at Austin Park in its 7th year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Joey Evans speaks about his journey from addiction to alcohol to getting a second chance in life<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Sometimes all it takes is one moment of awareness to make a difference. Behind every overdose is a human being, a person with hopes and struggles, loved ones, and a story that matters. Overdose awareness is an opportunity to replace judgment with compassion, and silence with conversation, and fear with understanding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Today, we remember those we have lost, stand beside those who are still struggling, and remind one another that hope, hope, and a second chance are always worth fighting for. There was a time when addiction had complete control over my life. Every decision I made pulled me further away from the person I was meant to be, until the consequences became impossible to ignore, addiction didn’t just affect my spirit; it nearly took my life. Multiple years of medical issues leading into a near 12-hour heart surgery forced me to confront the reality of where my choices had brought me. That surgery became a life-saving procedure. It became a second chance. It was my rescue mission. Recovery wasn’t just about healing my heart. It was about rebuilding my life. Day by day, I chose sobriety, accountability, and hope over the pain that once defined me. Today, standing on the other side of that journey, I have the incredible privilege of working at UConnect here, helping others find the same hope that was once afforded to me. It is a true full circle moment. The life that addiction tried to steal has become a life of purpose, service, and compassion. My story is proof that recovery is possible.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Genesee\/Orleans County Health Department Director, Paul Pettit talks about resources in the community.<\/em><\/strong> Pettit says the community has lost 100 people to overdose since 2020.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We have a lot of different ways that people can engage in services in our community, and that list continues to grow. So, if you know someone who’s struggling, help them find support. Many resources are available, and organizations that are here today to help those in our community. We have an online platform across our three counties called Credible Minds, Thrive Mentally and Spiritually – Expert and user rated resources for a better life<\/a> which is a platform that provides online access for anybody in our community anytime, 24\/7.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“So, we’d encourage folks to tap into that resource, and again, support our local efforts. We do have an active GOW Cares Alliance GOW Cares<\/a> that meets regularly. That’s doing great work across the three counties. We have a lot of work groups and a lot of activities that are very active and that you can participate in. We welcome you. We want you to be part of the solution and be part of the work that we’re doing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Moving forward, we’re continuing to expand resources, connect people to services and look for new ways to prevent overdose and save lives. Our goal is simply not to respond when an overdose happens, but to help people get the support they need before they reach that point. So again, today on Overdose Awareness Day, we remember those that we’ve lost, we support those who are struggling and remain committed to saving lives in our community.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Celebrating Sue Gagne and her 25 years of service in mental health and recovery. She was acknowledged for her leadership, compassion and dedication to the community. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Joey Evans speaks about his journey from addiction to alcohol to getting a second chance in life “Sometimes all it takes is one moment of awareness to make a difference. Behind every overdose is a human being, a person with hopes and struggles, loved ones, and a story that matters. \u2026<\/p>\n

Continue reading<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":79500,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[8,23],"tags":[4976,5320],"class_list":["post-79515","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-batavia","category-genesee-county","tag-gow-cares-alliance","tag-international-overdose-awareness-day"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8eTP4-kGv","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":67267,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2025\/08\/20\/batavia-international-overdose-awareness-day-includes-event-at-st-anthonys-batavia\/","url_meta":{"origin":79515,"position":0},"title":"BATAVIA\/International Overdose Awareness Day includes event at St. Anthony\u2019s, Batavia","author":"aka","date":"August 20, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Press release: \u201cOne big family, driven by hope\u201d is the theme for this year\u2019s International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) campaign \u2013 the annual observance that includes a local event from 4 - 7 p.m. August 26th at St. Anthony\u2019s in Batavia, hosted by the Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming CARES Alliance. The world\u2019s largest\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Batavia"","block_context":{"text":"Batavia","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/gennesse-county\/batavia\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/thumbnail_uconnectcare_logo_color_b4f628d9-b6d9-45fc-b588-af5b84a23ee9.png?fit=1200%2C461&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/thumbnail_uconnectcare_logo_color_b4f628d9-b6d9-45fc-b588-af5b84a23ee9.png?fit=1200%2C461&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/thumbnail_uconnectcare_logo_color_b4f628d9-b6d9-45fc-b588-af5b84a23ee9.png?fit=1200%2C461&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/thumbnail_uconnectcare_logo_color_b4f628d9-b6d9-45fc-b588-af5b84a23ee9.png?fit=1200%2C461&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/thumbnail_uconnectcare_logo_color_b4f628d9-b6d9-45fc-b588-af5b84a23ee9.png?fit=1200%2C461&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":35280,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2022\/08\/19\/batavia-overdose-awareness-day-offers-hope-and-help\/","url_meta":{"origin":79515,"position":1},"title":"BATAVIA\/Overdose Awareness Day offers ‘hope and help’","author":"aka","date":"August 19, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Press release Christopher Budzinack has a straightforward reason for agreeing to speak at next Wednesday\u2019s Overdose Awareness Day: To show those affected by substance use disorder that there is hope and there is help. \u201cAs a person in long-term recovery, I know first-hand how important these services are and I\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Batavia"","block_context":{"text":"Batavia","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/gennesse-county\/batavia\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":55678,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2024\/08\/09\/genesee-county-overdose-awareness-day-campaign-includes-event-at-austin-park-batavia\/","url_meta":{"origin":79515,"position":2},"title":"GENESEE COUNTY\/Overdose Awareness Day campaign includes event at Austin Park, Batavia","author":"aka","date":"August 9, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Press release: \u201cTogether we can\u201d is the theme for this year\u2019s International Overdose Awareness Day campaign \u2013 the annual observance that includes a local event from 3-7 p.m. Aug. 28 at Austin Park in Batavia. The world\u2019s largest annual movement to end overdose, IOAD is dedicated to remembering without stigma\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Batavia"","block_context":{"text":"Batavia","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/gennesse-county\/batavia\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":27690,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2021\/08\/26\/batavia-sobering-statistics-reveal-impact-of-opioids-other-drugs-upon-society\/","url_meta":{"origin":79515,"position":3},"title":"BATAVIA\/’Sobering’ statistics reveal impact of opioids, other drugs upon society","author":"aka","date":"August 26, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Photo caption: Melissa Vinyard, a peer advocate at GCASA, shares her story of recovery at Wednesday\u2019s Overdose Awareness Day. Vinyard said drugs and alcohol use nearly killed her, but she sought help and now has been sober since Dec. 30, 2017. By Mike Pettinella GCASA Publicist Over the 12 months\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Batavia"","block_context":{"text":"Batavia","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/gennesse-county\/batavia\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/vinyard-talk-1-1.jpg?fit=1044%2C458&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/vinyard-talk-1-1.jpg?fit=1044%2C458&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/vinyard-talk-1-1.jpg?fit=1044%2C458&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/vinyard-talk-1-1.jpg?fit=1044%2C458&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":67498,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2025\/08\/26\/batavia-photos-genesee-orleans-wyoming-cares-alliance-overdose-awareness-day-at-st-anthonys-on-tuesday-evening\/","url_meta":{"origin":79515,"position":4},"title":"BATAVIA\/Photos\/Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming CARES Alliance Overdose Awareness Day at St. Anthony’s on Tuesday evening","author":"aka","date":"August 26, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Previously: BATAVIA\/International Overdose Awareness Day includes event at St. Anthony\u2019s, Batavia \u2013 Video News Service","rel":"","context":"In "Batavia"","block_context":{"text":"Batavia","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/gennesse-county\/batavia\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250826_185208.jpg?fit=1200%2C960&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250826_185208.jpg?fit=1200%2C960&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250826_185208.jpg?fit=1200%2C960&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250826_185208.jpg?fit=1200%2C960&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250826_185208.jpg?fit=1200%2C960&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":56445,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2024\/08\/29\/genesee-county-batavia-overdose-awareness-day-messages-focus-on-serving-each-other-hope-for-recovery\/","url_meta":{"origin":79515,"position":5},"title":"GENESEE COUNTY\/Batavia\/Overdose Awareness Day messages focus on serving each other, hope for recovery","author":"aka","date":"August 29, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Speakers at Wednesday\u2019s Overdose Awareness Day at Austin Park are, from left, John Bennett, Rev. Erin Martin, Lynda Battaglia, Chris Budzinack Jr., Paul Pettit, Chris Budzinack and Rob Kent. Photos by Mike Pettinella\/UConnectCare (photo by Mike Pettinella) By Mike PettinellaUConnectCare Publicist \u201cWe are best when we serve others,\u201d said the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Batavia"","block_context":{"text":"Batavia","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/gennesse-county\/batavia\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/oad-speakers-1.jpg?fit=1080%2C535&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/oad-speakers-1.jpg?fit=1080%2C535&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/oad-speakers-1.jpg?fit=1080%2C535&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/oad-speakers-1.jpg?fit=1080%2C535&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/oad-speakers-1.jpg?fit=1080%2C535&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/20260826_171810-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C2126&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79515","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=79515"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79515\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":79520,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79515\/revisions\/79520"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/79500"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=79515"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=79515"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=79515"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}