The Jefferson County Health Department and several other agencies are teaming up to hold a variety of events to mark Overdose Awareness Week on Aug. 25-29.
Those who are navigating addiction recovery or struggling with addiction are encouraged to attend the activities, including a bowling event, a lunch and a walk to remember those who lost their battle with addiction. Those who have loved ones struggling or recovering are welcome.
“This week is really a collaboration of a lot of agencies that come together to make the week a success,” treatment court administrator Trish Hutson said. “Some of the key players come from Chestnut (Health), Compass (Health Network), the Health Department and representatives from Sana Lake (Recovery).”
From 3-6 p.m. on Aug. 25, the Path to Wellness event will be held at the Hillsboro Civic Center, 10349 Business 21.
Hutson said the event is similar to an open house where people can be connected to traditional and nontraditional self-care and wellness providers. The partners offer assistance in mental and physical health, banking, insurance and holistic activities.
From 4-7 p.m. on Aug. 26, the Striking Down Drugs free bowling event will take place at Quonset Lanes, 2004 N Truman Blvd., in Crystal City.
“The more we can bring people out to learn how to have healthy, sober fun, the better,” Hutson said. “We are preparing people for life after a court program or any treatment program.”
Check-in for the bowling event will take place once participants arrive.
“We will help assign lanes, depending on the number of people there at the moment the individuals arrive,” Hutson said.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 27, the Lunch and Inspiration event will be at Compass Health Network, 1275 N. Truman Blvd., in Festus. The event will include a lunch and speakers who will talk about their recovery stories.
“(The event) is intended to be targeted toward not only the people who are struggling still with their recovery, but also for many of us working in the field and who are connected to the field indirectly,” Hutson said.
Registration for the lunch is required. To register, go to forms.office.com/r/eVyBC81BjR.
At 9 a.m. on Aug. 28, the Overdose Awareness Walk and Celebration of Life will begin at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 300 Main St. The walk will conclude with a gathering, including food and activities at Hillsboro City Park, 10975 Business 21. A modified version of the walk will be available for those with mobility issues.
“We will walk in memory of those who’ve lost their battle, or those who are still fighting their battle,” Hutson said.
“This is probably the most exciting day, honestly, and it’s kind of where it all started,” Hutson said. “Five years ago, we hosted our first walk, and it was so well received by the community that I recognized a need for this event to grow.”
From 9-10:30 a.m. on Aug. 29, the Donuts and Discussion event will be held on the second floor of the Jefferson County Justice Center, 400 First St., in Hillsboro.
“Donuts and Discussion is a really good time to recap on what areas we did right, areas of improvement and where we need to enhance services (for next year),” Hutson said.
For more information, visit the Jefferson County Health Department website or call 636-797-3737.