By Stefania Buta, Data Coordinator April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Research shows that individuals with disabilities are at a higher risk of experiencing alcohol misuse and related consequences compared to those without disabilities. Several factors contribute to this increased risk. Social isolation, stigma, co-occurring mental health conditions, and the use of…

By Stefania Buta, Data Coordinator This month, in honor of National Kidney Awareness Month, our goal is to understand how alcohol interacts with our kidneys so we can make informed, intentional choices about our habits. For many people, the conversation around drinking focuses on the liver. But your kidneys, responsible for…

CANDLE recently participated in the Cortland Prevention Resources “Mocktail Magic” event, alongside other community members and groups, and we were honored to take home the win.Our mocktail, Brighter Days ( a warming ginger-thyme lemonade with a candied ginger rim) was created with intention. It nods to mental health, hope, and…

by Melissa Simmons, Cortland Prevention Resources Mocktail Magic returns this January, and we’re excited to share a preview with our partners at CANDLE. Each year, Cortland Prevention Resources brings neighbors and local organizations together for an evening centered on creativity, connection, and alcohol-free fun. Guests can expect imaginative zero-proof drinks, small…

by Erin Vallely, CANDLE Administrative Assistant What a busy year it’s been for the CANDLE Coalition! As we reflect on 2025, we’re proud to share a summary of the coalition’s activities that have strengthened our mission to reduce substance use among people with disabilities in Cortland County.  Most importantly, our Year 4 funding from OASAS has been approved so we can continue our…

by Erin Vallely, CANDLE Administrative Assistant Although the holidays are most closely associated with family and friend gatherings, it can also be a difficult time for people who have a history of substance misuse.  For people practicing sobriety from alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and other substances, the temptation to use these substances…

by Erin Vallely, CANDLE Administrative Assistant Although Halloween is most often associated with candy, alcohol and recreational drug use also increases during this holiday.  According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 159 people between 2017 and 2021 were killed in drunk driving accidents on Halloween night. …

by Erin Vallely, CANDLE Administrative Assistant September is National Fall Prevention month.  The awareness campaign focuses on education about ways to prevent people from falling down, particularly among older adults.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four older adults fall down each year, and are…

by Erin Vallely, CANDLE Administrative Assistant CANDLE was thrilled to join the Cortland LGBTQ Center at their annual Pride Festival on July 19th, 2025.  The event was held at Courthouse Park and featured an information and vendor show, as well as entertainment throughout the day.  The event, organized by Mike Doughty…

by Mike Doughty, CANDLE Coalition Member This year will be the third annual Cortland Community Pride Festival! The festival will be on Saturday July 19th, from 10am to 2pm at Courthouse Park in Cortland. We will have over 60 agencies and vendors, games, a raffle giveaway, a pride costume contest, and…

By Erin Vallely, CANDLE Administrative Assistant  CANDLE was thrilled to join the Cortland County Mental Health Community Resource Fair and Walk on May 15th, 2025.  The event was held at the Cortland County Fairgrounds and the walk went to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center and back.  The event, organized by Cortland County,…

By Erin Vallely, CANDLE Administrative Assistant Did you know May 15th, 2025, is Global Accessibility Awareness Day? While the day’s focus is usually on web accessibility, CANDLE wanted to use the opportunity to talk about accessibility in prevention programming. All too often, substance misuse prevention programming is not accessible to individuals…