The approximately 150 people who took part in the second annual Overdose Awareness Day Walk last week were not thinking about numbers or statistics. Instead, they said it was a day to remember, without stigma, those who have died from overdose and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends they left behind.
The walk, held Aug. 31 in Hillsboro, was intended to raise awareness about overdoses and shed light on resources available to those struggling with substance abuse. Attendees also had the chance to learn about resources, grab a free snow cone from Kona Ice, take home some Narcan to potentially save a life and meet others affected by substance abuse – from survivors to grieving family members.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Mike Sacca spoke at the event and said the day was about remembering and supporting those who are struggling and about moving forward to save as many lives as possible.
He encouraged attendees to remember the children whose lives were ended abruptly and work to keep their loved ones’ stories alive.
Circuit Judge Shannon Dougherty, who oversees the treatment courts, thanked everyone for attending the walk.
“This is such a strong message,” Dougherty told the crowd. “You are sending a message to everyone that we’re fighting this epidemic in our society, and we’re going to overcome it. So, remember, it doesn’t stop today. This is something that we need to continue every day. Think about it, reach out to people, be there for people, and, if you need help, there are people here to help you. So don’t ever feel alone.”
Most attendees wore purple in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day as they walked the three-fourths of a mile loop from the Jefferson County Courthouse to Hwy. 21 to Maple Street and back to the Courthouse.
The Jefferson County Treatment Courts organized the walk.
About 350 attended the inaugural walk last year, so attendance was down this year. Organizer Trish Hutson, administrator of the Jefferson County Treatment Court, speculated the lower attendance may have been the result of people having the opportunity to attend several events over the course of the week.
The week kicked off with an open house on Aug. 28 at the Jefferson County Justice Center, which included information booths and other resources for families struggling with substance abuse. A bowling event was held on Aug. 29, and the next day a luncheon was held when a speaker shared her story about the impact substance abuse had on her family. The final activity was Donuts and Discussion on Sept. 1 when community members could discuss the week’s events or their journey with addiction.
Hutson said, overall, the turnout was good at the week’s events.
“It was awesome to see the community’s response to all the varying events,” she said.
Hutson thanked those who helped fund the events, including the Alternative Courts Foundation, Compass Health and other organizations that donated time and resources to the event.