Bladen County has above average overdose related deaths. Some leaders in the mother county are shedding the light on the issue plaguing all communities in our area.
August 31st, 2018 is Overdose Awareness Day and Eastpointe along with the Bladen County Task Force are planning an event to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
This Free event will be attended by families personally affected by the issue of prescription medication overdose (fatalities), key stakeholders and Members of the Community.
Everyone is invited to the Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st at the Bladen County Courthouse Front Lawn from 4pm-6pm.
Cheryl Harris with Eastpointe said, “The vision is to have multiple service providers, civic groups, churches, etc in our community who will be hosting informational booths. We will have a symbolic tree of life for people to pin leaves on to remember those who are no longer with us because of overdose.
We want the event to be inclusive for family members and children.”
Harris continued, “Our goal is to bring awareness and to educate people about the current state of the opioid crisis that is affecting our community while also reducing the stigma that surrounds people who use substances. We would like to assist people in their knowledge of the various ways they can prevent overdose and how they can support a person who is overdosing. We also want to provide a platform for people to share their stories without fear of judgment and to also be able to commemorate loved ones who have lost their lives because of accidental poisoning or from other substance-related ailments.”
Highlights of the event according to Harris:
Moment of Silence
Talk to staff from different local organizations who will be on hand to provide support and information for individuals seeking help, including family members and concerned friends.
We will have a symbolic tree of life for people to pin leaves on to remember those who are no longer with us because of overdose.
We will also have memorial pages for writing messages that will be given to families who have personally been affected.
Anyone wanting to help participate is asked to call Cheryl Harris at 910-272-1218.
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