By Stephen Smoot
As the opioid crisis continues to impact and shape communities across the country, it leaves in its wake a legacy of pain. Families break up and reform. Over half of grandparents in the state find themselves raising grandchildren.
The opioid crisis takes some who fall into addiction too early, but others find inspiration to work hard, confront their problems, and overcome to find a new life.
Bethany Perez, a peer recovery support specialist for Potomac Highlands Guild who also runs drug recovery groups, explains that both addicts and those who have supported them need forums to share their stories. One such event will take place for the entire region at Petersburg’s Welton Park from 5 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 31.
The event will mark International Overdose Awareness Day. According to the website that helps to coordinate the global effort, the day “is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.”
For 2024, the motto is “together, we can.”
Perez stated that “overdose numbers are really high this year.” The Centers for Disease Control confirm this in their provisional numbers. According to West Virginia Public Broadcasting, though national drug overdoses dropped by three percent between 2022 and 2023, West Virginia’s opioid overdose rate rose by 1.34 percent.
The event not only marks International Overdose Awareness Day, it also comes on the eve of September as Drug Recovery Month.
At the event, people can write down the name or a few words anonymously about a person in their lives lost to overdose. “Everyone gets a candle,” noted Perez, who then said “we read every one of the names.”
One of the most special ways that attendees remember loved ones comes through song. Organizers bring a karaoke machine, but not for silliness and laughs. Brave individuals rise up to sing songs that remind them of who they lost, or the struggles they have faced.
“Last year, people just sang what was in their hearts and it went really well,” said Perez.
Those who wish to sing can call Michelle at 304-257-5200 or Perez at 304-358-2351 to send in their song choices. The deadline for that is Aug. 22.
Also, many chose to share their stories, either to a group or with each other. Sharing reminds all that they are not alone, that an entire community exists to support them. Inspiring moments came from recovered addicts who described their journeys, including both the pain and the perseverance, as well as stumbles along the way.
The Potomac Highlands Guild also has a special way to mark the day that anyone can take part in. “Lighting the Town Up Purple” encourages businesses and residences to place purple lights in visible windows to mark International Overdose Awareness Day in its official color. “The guild will provide people with light bulbs,” Perez shared. They set a goal to get all of the towns in the area involved. Reach out to the Potomac Highlands Guild to get a purple bulb to use on Aug 31.
Attendees to the Welton Park event can also take the opportunity to purchase a memorial brick to honor those they wish to mark with a remembrance.
“This is my second year doing it,” shared Perez, who added “I’m so glad to be a part of it.”
