A good crowd was on hand for the Overdose Awareness Day held Thursday night at Fairview Park in Centralia.
The event featured five speakers including Chris Marler who lost two sons to an overdose and Lisa Marcum who has a daughter who had a drug addiction problem. Both explained their battles and Marler told parents not to ignore symptoms, to get help, and not to become an enabler.
Resident Circuit Court Judge Mark Stedelin noted his concerns about grant funding expiring at the end of September that pays the cost of keep three homes available for drug court participants to live if they have no other permanent residence. He said a stable living situation is essential to participants having a chance to kick their drug habits. Stedelin is hoping to find new members to add to the Drug Court Foundation that can raise money for the needs of the drug court participants. Those interested in assisting can contact Stedelin through the Marion County Circuit Clerk’s office.
Centralia Police Chief Chris Locke and Centralia Fire Captain Blake Perez shared information on their response to overdose calls and the seriousness of the problem.
Community Resource Center Prevention Specialist Morgan Isaiah who served as chair of the coalition of organizations and those concerned about the illegal drug problem was pleased with the turnout.
“I think that it’s important because overdose does not discriminate. No one looks a particular way that’s doing drugs. We need to find out about the new drugs going on the fentanyl and xylazine, get all the stats, and help as many people as we can.”
Isaiah also hopes all the organizations that had resource tables will help those facing a problem with drugs. She says the group has other work to do as well.
“I foresee us doing some harm reduction services. Giving people more information. Our Hidden in Plain Site room is a big tool for us. We will have that out at other events, festivals, and schools.”
Those who would like to join the coalition can contact Isaiah at the Community Resource Center where she also encourages those who need help to reach out.
This is the first year the Overdose Awareness Day has been held in three years due to COVID-19. The coalition was just recently put back together after not meeting for several years as a result of COVID-19
Some of the Resource Booths set up at the Overdose Awareness Day. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Hidden in Plain Sight Room. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
