After a several-year absence due to COVID-19, the Overdose Awareness Day returns to Fairview Park in Centralia on Thursday evening from six to eight.
Prevention Specialist Coordinator Morgan Isaiah says the theme this year is ‘Recognizing the People Who Go Unseen’.
“Overdose does not discriminate. It’s not one class or type of person that experiences it so we want to get everyone information on what to do if this happens and let everyone know what’s out there because there are some new drugs out there besides just marijuana and heroin that have surfaced.”
Isaiah says one of the features will be the Hidden in Plain Sight Room.
“You have to be a little detective. There are clues hidden in a setup like a teenager’s room where things are hidden in plain sight or really hidden. There could be things like an eyeglass case that could have a little shooter of alcohol in it, things like that.”
The Community Resource Center and Marion County Health Department as well as other organizations that assist those with drug problems will have resource tables available. The Marion County Health Department will have a demonstration on how to use NARCAN and free boxes of NARCAN will be available for those in attendance.
There will also be a number of speakers including Judge Mark Stedelin, Judge Erika Sanders, parent Chris Marler who lost children to drug overdoses, Community Resource Center Peer Recovery Specialist Joe Winkler, and Lisa Marcum.
Those attending are also invited to bring a small, framed picture of a loved one you’d like to honor during the candlelight vigil and memorial walk.
The event will be held at the Canadian National Pavilion. You are asked to bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Food and drinks will be provided.
