Media Release | October 7, 2026
Alliance for Healthy Communities | Missy Coyle Missy@empoweredcommunities.org
PASCO COUNTY, FL – The Alliance for Substance Addiction Prevention (ASAP), a coalition of Alliance for Healthy Communities, will once again partner with Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) to host the annual Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education (NOPE) Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the PHSC West Campus Auditorium, 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654.
The event is free and open to the community. A community resource and vendor fair will begin at 5:00 PM, followed by the NOPE program at 6:00 PM.
The NOPE Candlelight Vigil is an evening of remembrance, awareness, hope, and connection for individuals and families impacted by substance use and overdose. This year’s program will center on the voices of those who have lived through these experiences, including a young person sharing their personal experience, adult survivors sharing their stories, and a speaker sharing a message of recovery.
For many families, one of the most meaningful parts of the evening is the NOPE Memorial Wall, which honors the lives of loved ones lost to overdose. Attendees are encouraged to bring a photo of their loved one to add to the NOPE Wall during the event.
Families may also have a photo of their loved one included in the memorial slideshow shown during the program. Digital photos should be emailed to Missy@empoweredcommunities.org by Tuesday, October 13.
The annual vigil provides a space not only to remember those who have been lost, but also to recognize the families, friends, survivors, and individuals in recovery who continue to be impacted by the substance use and overdose crisis.
Pasco ASAP has hosted NOPE Candlelight Vigils in Pasco County since 2010, growing from a small gathering of community members into an annual night that brings together families, prevention and recovery organizations, community partners, and residents from across Pasco County.
The evening will conclude with the candlelight vigil as attendees come together to honor those whose lives have been lost and stand alongside those who continue to carry their memory.
Event Details: NOPE Candlelight Vigil, Thursday, October 15, 2026, Pasco-Hernando State College – West Campus Auditorium, 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654. Vendor & Resource Fair: 5:00 PM. Program: 6:00 PM. Admission is free and open to the community.
For More Information: Alliance for Healthy Communities / Pasco ASAP www.empoweredcommunities.or
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