Overdose Awareness Day

An Overdose Awareness Day event was held on Saturday, Aug. 31. 

Drug Free Communities running under the umbrella of Align9’s 501©3 held a Candlelight Memorial at their offices at 203 Maiden Street in Wartburg, in honor of Morgan County families who have lost loved ones. “Drug overdoses do not discriminate — rich or poor, black or white, urban, suburban or rural, drug overdoses reach every corner of our society. Drug overdoses destroy lives, families and communities. Today, we honor the memory of those we have lost to overdose in Morgan County and recommit ourselves to help and support the ones we can still save,” said Charlene Hipsher, one of the founders of Align9, whose mission is to align resources across the 9th Judicial District which includes Morgan County.

The CDC National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Vital Statistics Rapid Release showed the reported number of drug overdose deaths occurring in the United States decreased by 6.9% in the past year.

But there is still a lot to do. Tens of thousands of Americans are still dying every year from drug overdoses. The drug supply is increasingly complex and deadly. Some expect people struggling with substance use disorders to self-diagnose and seek treatment. Misinformation and damaging stigmas often prevent individuals from seeking evidence-based treatment. For more information or to get involved contact Katherine Aguirre at The Prevention Alliance of Morgan County at 865-722-4098 or visit their website at www.align9.com and fill out a volunteer form.

“On this International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the lives of the countless individuals and their loved ones in our community who have been impacted by substance use disorder. And remember that overdoses are not inevitable if we stand together to help those who need an outstretched hand,” Hipsher said.