Oct. 21, 2008 — On Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008, Narcotics Overdose Prevention Education Task Force will host a national candlelight vigil in memory of those who have passed due to drug and alcohol related incidents, and those suffering from the disease of addiction. The vigil will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Memorial Park in Susanville, Calif., and will last approximately 90 minutes. The agenda will include a keynote speaker, local speakers and local talent followed by a memorial prayer and candle lighting ceremony. NOPE task force was formed in Palm Beach County in 2002, and become a 501 (c) (3) public charity in June of 2004. Over the past year, NOPE has expanded its reach to several counties in Florida and has stared a chapter in Lassen County. We currently have interest in chapters in Mississippi, Texas, North Carolina, Alabama, and Pennsylvania as well.

The cornerstone of NOPE’s mission is the personal, high impact presentation, delivered to middle and high school students throughout the school year. Our message is delivered graphically and emotionally from several perspectives. First, from law enforcement officials who have the grim task of making death notifications to distraught families, then from a recovering addict who lived to tell about his or her experience, and finally, from parents who have suffered the loss of a child to an overdose.

The presentations are meant to evoke emotions and demand the attention of the students. Following virtually every presentation; a number of students seek help, either for themselves or someone they know. Counselors are available to help and many teachers devote the remainder of the school day to further discussion and follow up.

Those who attend the Candlelight vigil will help fight the scourge of addiction and drug abuse that is ravaging our nation. If you would like to add a photo to the memorial wall, you can bring them with you to the event.

For more information, call (561) 478-1055 or go to nopetaskforce.org.