Despite the rainy weather, hundreds of individuals in recovery, their families, and support networks joined Delaware County Council, members of the Delaware County Heroin Task Force, District Attorney Jack Whelan, and the Partners for Success Coalition for the Third Annual Community Day on Saturday in Rose Tree Park.

Each year, the event is held to raise awareness about drug abuse and addiction in a family-friendly setting with activities that celebrate prevention and share stories of hope and recovery. In addition to free food and live music, various participating drug prevention and rehabilitation organizations provided resources and services for parents and youth.

“Community Day is about coming together as a collective community, sharing personal recovery stories and recognizing that overcoming addiction is happening, and that recovery is possible,” said Councilman Dave White.

“We know that our nation and our county are battling a prescription drug and heroin epidemic. But we also know that people are overcoming addiction with assistance from county resources, the Certified Recovery Specialist program, and with help from organizations like MPV Recovery and Race to Recovery.”

During the event, residents disposed of more than 60 pounds of expired and unwanted medication in the mobile drug drop box that was on site. Through the county-wide drug drop box program, more than 10,000 pounds of drugs have been collected since October 2013. Nearly every police station has a drug drop box, as well as the Government Center in Media, where residents can dispose of old medications.

Also at the event, recipients of the 2017 Prevention Partner Awards were honored, including:

• David McKeighan of the Delaware County Medical Society
• Brian Corson, Executive Director of MVP Recovery and the Peggie & Paul Shevlin Family Foundation
• Marie Datillo, a dedicated volunteer with the Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education (NOPE) Task Force
• Dr. Aviva Fohrer of the Thalia Medical Center for providing outstanding treatment services to those suffering from addiction

These individuals were selected by the Heroin Task Force, council, Whelan, and Partners for Success for their outstanding and dedicated work in prevention and education, and their work to diminish drug and alcohol abuse and misuse.