Letter: Addressing Alcohol, Drug Abuse in New Canaan; Downtown Vigil Planned for Aug. 31

Dear Editor,

Drug overdose deaths in 2016 exceeded 59,000, the largest annual jump ever recorded in the United States, according to the New York Times. On Aug. 31, all over the world, it will be “Overdose Awareness Day.” In New Canaan there will be a community overdose awareness vigil in the Pop-Up Park on South Avenue and Elm Street, beginning at 7 p.m.

A candlelight vigil will honor the local young people who lost their lives in the several years from a drug overdose. There is hope in recovery. “The Elephant in the Living Room” does exist and we want to talk about it.