Danielle Castrignano, 32, of Exeter, shares her story at Sunday’s event. Castrignano, who is now eight and a half years sober, works as a certified recovery specialist. Castrignano explained that her addiction led to time in prison, as she was arrested on child endangerment and drug charges in 2016. She also plead guilty in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash in 2012.
Margaret Roarty | Times Leader
Overdose Awareness Day event held in Kirby Park
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Carol Coolbaugh, who started a local chapter of Grief Recovery after Substance Passing, welcomes everyone Sunday at the group’s annual gathering in Kirby Park.
Margaret Roarty | Times Leader
Steven Loftus, of Forty Fort, speaks about his journey to sobriety Sunday at GRASP’s annual walk and day of remembrance ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31
Margaret Roarty | Times Leader
Attendees listen while Castrignano shares her story during Sunday’s overdose awareness event.
Margaret Roarty | Times Leader
WILKES-BARRE — Carol Coolbaugh knows what it’s like to live with grief. Its been her constant companion for over a decade following the death of her son, Eric, who was only 29 years old when he died in 2009 due to a drug overdose.
But 12 years ago, Coolbaugh, who resides in West Pittston, took that grief and turned it into something positive by starting a local chapter of Grief Recovery after Substance Passing (GRASP), a nationwide program that provides support and resources to people who have lost loved ones to addiction and overdose.
On Sunday afternoon, GRASP gathered in Kirby Park ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31 for its annual walk and day of remembrance to celebrate the lives of those they’ve lost, while sharing stories of recovery and hope.
“We all have that day — that day that changed our lives forever. That phone call and the knock on the door, that time that has divided our lives into before and after,” Coolbaugh told the many people who attended the event. “I miss (my son) every day. I think of him every day.”
Purple and silver balloons, representing the official colors of International Overdose Awareness Day, flanked the columns of the pavilion.
Coolbaugh continued, “Through Eric’s passing, I have gotten to meet so many wonderful people — so many families that have lost someone. I see a lot of the faces out here today. It’s very helpful to share your grief with someone. It’s a very lonely experience, but when you share it with somebody else, it makes the load easier.”
Local outreach programs — including Children’s Service Center, Clean Slate Outpatient Addition Medicine, Clearbrook Treatment Center and more — were on hand at the event. Additionally, the Salvation Army helped cook food for everyone.
“We want to have these agencies here so people know that they’re there. There is help out there, and recovery is possible, and if they need help or want help, it’s here,” Coolbaugh explained.
According to data from the state, the number of drug overdose deaths increased sharply in 2020, due partly to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania and the country at large.
Although the number of drug overdose deaths in Luzerne County has decreased in recent years — there were 140 deaths in 2023 as opposed to 168 in 2022 — the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department on its Facebook page did state that there was an increase of overdoses of heroin / fentanyl in August.
The day was also filled with stories of hope. Several people currently in recovery spoke about their own battle with addiction and their journey to sobriety.
Steven Loftus from Forty Fort, who now works at an addiction treatment center, spoke about his insecurities growing up, and how those fears led to substance abuse.
“I found my solution in drugs and alcohol. At first, I was able to control it. At first, I had fun. I’d be lying if (I said) I didn’t have a lot of fun hanging out with my friends, drinking and partying. Bu eventually I wasn’t able to control it and I wasn’t able to stop,” he explained.
His road to recovery was not easy. He spent time in 13 or 14 treatment facilities over the years, got arrested and even almost lost both of his legs due to an infection caused by his substance abuse.
Ultimately, Loftus credits Luzerne County Drug Treatment Court with saving his life. He also said that sobriety would not have been possible if he didn’t take the time to work on himself and fix the problems that led to his addiction in the first place.
“(Speaking today) was an honor. I remember being here last year and I wasn’t anywhere near where I am today and its truly amazing. This is a blessing.”
If you would like to join the grief support group at GRASP, contact Carol Coolbaugh at 570-991-7199.