Jill Barry

I am thrilled to join Glastonbury Youth and Family Services who are partnering with the Glastonbury Community Action Partnership (GCAP) and Glastonbury Public Schools, to host the “Stop the Stigma, Light the Way” — a community event focused on overdose prevention, awareness, and support for those affected on August 26 and 27.

Overdose Awareness Day is a solemn reminder that no community — not even ours — is untouched by the opioid crisis. I am a longtime member of GCAP and a volunteer for this event. But the real hero in the planning of "Stop the Stigma, Light the Way" is Kelsey Hust from Youth & Families Services. The work and passion put in this program is truly inspiring, and I am committed to helping in any way I can to make this year's event a great success.

This important initiative aims to raise awareness that substance use, and overdose affect all communities and that understanding, prevention, and compassion are key to saving lives.
 
Here is a statement from Kelsey Hust about the event: "My hope for this event is that the Glastonbury community will come together and take advantage of activities and resources for all ages, support those people who have been affected by overdose, foster empathy towards those who may be experiencing addiction, and educate the general community, including young people, about how overdose absolutely does not discriminate."
 
Please see below the Event Schedule:
 
Tuesday, August 26
Drug Takeback Event
📍 Glastonbury Town Hall Green (Farmers Market)
 
🕓 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Hosted by the Glastonbury Police Department, this event provides a safe, confidential opportunity for community members to dispose of unused or expired medications.
 
Wednesday, August 27
Stop the Stigma, Light the Way – Main Event
📍 Location: Glastonbury Academy Building
2143 Main Street
 
🕓 4:00 PM – Resource fair begins
Meet with local prevention agencies, gather educational materials, and hear stories from families who have experienced the impact of overdose firsthand.
 
🕔 5:00 PM – Featured Speaker: Stephen Hill
Nationally recognized speaker and recovery advocate Stephen Hill shares his powerful personal story of addiction, recovery, and hope.
 
🕕 6:00 PM – Candlelit Moment of Reflection
Join us in a collective moment of silence to honor the lives lost and reaffirm our commitment to prevention, recovery, and support.
  
“Stop the Stigma, Light the Way” is free and open to the public. All are welcome—whether to learn, support, reflect, or connect.
 
We are encouraging guests to wear purple to show support for families and individuals affected by substance use and overdose.