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Prayer vigil held for those lost to substance abuse

A prayer vigil was held at the First Congregational Church of Bridgton in remembrance of those lost to substance abuse and let those struggling with addiction know that there is help available.

Bridgton, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A prayer vigil was held in the town of Bridgton to remember those lost to substance abuse and help those struggling with addiction.

Members of the community entered the pews of the First Congregational Church of Bridgton to light candles and say a prayer. The gathering was organized by the Lakes Region Substance Abuse Coalition (LRSAC) that works to end Opioid use in the Bridgton area. Eleven candles were lit and eleven names were read into the microphone to honor those who have died in the town because of substance abuse.

"I've met a lot of people who have lost children," said LRSAC president Cathy Finck. "As a mother that's really hard to wrap your head around."

Attendees heard about prevention, education, treatment, policy, recovery and enforcement. Nothing was as impactful as Micki Bless's speech from a recovering alcoholic's point of view. She is currently six months sober with the understanding that recovering is a never ending road.

"If I can't help somebody else with all the help that's been given to me over the years, than it just doesn't feel right," said Bless about her reason for speaking.

To find out more about LRSAC and how they help those struggling with substance abuse, click here.

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