WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
5B
County organizes second Color 5K to fight addiction Following the success of the first Color 5K last year, the Chester County Commissioners, District Attorney, and members of the County’s Overdose Prevention Task Force have announced details of the second annual Color 5K run and walk, raising funds to combat the opioid and heroin epidemic. This year’s Color 5K will take place at Everhart Park in West Chester on Saturday, Nov. 4. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. For details, visit http://chesco.org/color5k. The 2016 Color 5K attracted more than 800
participants and supporters, and raised $25,000 to help coordinate a “warm hand-off ” program with the county’s five hospitals, helping to transition those who have been saved from an overdose into treatment and counseling. Chester County Commissioners chairwoman Michelle Kichline said, “The amazing community support that we received for last year’s Color 5K proved that there are, unfortunately, many people in Chester County who have been affected by this epidemic. This event helps to raise awareness of, and funds for,
the opioid and heroin crisis, but it also shows that those suffering from addiction, their families and friends are not alone.” “The opioid and heroin crisis is a great concern plaguing the nation, and it’s a concern that we, as a county, have been cooperatively addressing for some time now,” said Commissioner Kathi Cozzone. “While in Chester County the number of those abusing opioids is less than other areas of the Commonwealth, we still need to provide education, counseling, and rehabilitation services to
help our residents.” Funds raised through this year’s Color 5K will benefit a new program to provide one-to-one support for overdose survivors and their families and friends; provide overdose prevention information and outreach to first responders, hospital staff, family members and friends; and provide expedited admission into detox and a review of all treatment options for overdose survivors who agree to treatment. “Americans are the number-one consumers of opioids and they are being abused by young
and old, rich and poor, urban and rural,” added Commissioner Terence Farrell. “Prescription drug abuse has opened the door to heroin use, especially among young people, because heroin is cheaper and easier to obtain.” Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said, “The hard truth of the matter is that heroin and opioids have decimated this generation of American youth. In Chester County, we lock up the dealers and the pill pushers. But we also understand the need for a comprehensive approach to this health care crisis,
including drug court, naloxone in the hands of our first responders, and coordination of innovative strategies by our Overdose Prevention Task Force. We work together every day to save every life that we can.” S p o n s o r s h i p opportunities at many levels are available for companies and individuals to support the Color 5K run and walk and raise awareness. For more information on levels of sponsorship, contact Rebecca Brain, Chester County communications coordinator, at 610-3446279 or email rbrain@ chesco.org.
Prayer walk for schools unites the community On Aug. 22, a group of 21 local residents gathered to pray at the Avon Grove Schools, including the High School, Middle School, Intermediate School, Penn London, the Avon Grove Charter School, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary School, and the Nazarene Academy. Representing more than 10 churches in the area, the group included leadership and members from Avon Grove Presbyterian, West Grove Presbyterian, Kemblesville UMC, Calvar y Chapel, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Media Mennonite, West Grove UMC, Christ Church at the Grove, The Power Place, and others. The participants ranged in age from kindergarten
to senior citizens. Students prayed for their schools and teachers. Parents and grandparents walked with their children in prayer. Present with us was Marge Pickel, from Avondale Presbyterian. More than a decade ago, she organized the prayer walk with a small group. Her commitment to praying for our schools inspired the Avon Grove Ministerium to continue in commitment to the event. She shared her delight in the growth of the prayer walk at the beginning of the new school year. After gathering for instructions and prayer, participants departed for the schools for which they have committed to pray. Some prayed around the building. Others walked through school in prayer.
Some teachers, staff and administrators invited those praying to pray for them, their classroom, and their upcoming year. Other staff and teachers asked prayers for more personal joys and concerns like weddings, illnesses, and family members. Pastor Monica Guepet, lead pastor of West Grove UMC and Prayer Walk organizer this year, said, “It is our privilege and joy to be in prayer for our schools, students, teachers and staff on this day and throughout the year. We want our teachers, staff and administrators to hear our gratitude, as we are grateful for their dedication in educating our children and youth. We join them in caring well for our community.”
Courtesy photo
Twenty-one people prayed for local schools on Aug. 22.