HOPE Walk set for Aug. 31 at the Crittenden County Courthouse
Be a part of Overdose Awareness Day event
By Ralph Hardin
news@theeveningtimes.com
Did you know that Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day? The day is the culmination of the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
The campaign raises awareness of overdose, which is one of the world’s worst public health crises, and stimulates action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy.
The campaign also acknowledges the profound grief felt by families and friends whose loved ones have died or suffered permanent injury from a drug overdose.
International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message about the tragedy of drug overdose death and that drug overdose is preventable.
The goals of International Overdose Awareness Day are:
• To provide an opportunity for people to publicly mourn loved ones in a safe environment, some for the first time without feeling guilt or shame.
• To provide information about the issue of fatal and non-fatal overdose.
• To send a strong message to current and former people who use drugs that they are valued.
• To stimulate discussion about overdose prevention and drug policy.
• To provide basic information on the range of support services that are available.
• To prevent and reduce drugrelated harm by supporting evidence-based policy and practice.
• To inform people around the world about the risk of overdose.
• To include the greatest number of people in International Overdose Awareness Day events, and encourage non-denominational involvement.
That last tenet is the inspiration behind the 2024 HOPE Walk, set for Saturday, Aug.
31, on the Courthouse Square in Marion, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The HOPE (Helping Overdose Preventions Efforts) Walk is a community event aiming at getting as many people involved in the day as possible, with local businesses, civic groups and nonprofits participating.
International Overdose Awareness Day was initiated in 2001 by Sally Finn at The Salvation Army in St. Kilda, Melbourne.
Since 2001, many community members as well as government and non-government organisations have held events to raise awareness and commemorate those who have been lost to drug overdose.
Since 2012, International Overdose Awareness Day has been convened by the not-forprofit Australian public health organisation Penington Institute.
“We’re just a few weeks away from this meaningful event,” said Jennifer Johnson, Director of Operations and Development for Called2Grow, the Marion-based organization spearheading this year’s local HOPE Walk effort. “We have exciting news! As of today, we have 28 vendors signed up to join us at the event! Along with the walk, we’ll have a variety of fun activities for all ages” Those activities include:
• Live Music
• 2 bounce houses for the kids
• Free hot dogs, hamburgers, and popcorn
• Free Face painting to add a splash of color to the day
• A cake walk with delicious treats
•Free Narcan training
• A bell to ring in honor of a loved one, a powerful moment of remembrance and solidarity.
“ As we gear up for the event, we’re excited to announce a new addition: trophies. We’ll be awarding a trophy to the highest fundraisers in these categories: team trophy, individual trophy, under 12 trophy and teen trophy,” said Johnson. “This is a great opportunity to have some friendly competition while supporting a great cause and local nonprofit.”
Photo courtesy of Called2Grow
