The Benton County Health Department is organizing a series of free events designed to increase awareness and prevention of drug overdoses. The initiative comes ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
This year’s theme, “One big family, driven by hope,” emphasizes the collective strength communities possess to combat overdose-related fatalities. The campaign seeks to remind residents that overdose can affect anyone and underscores the importance of community solidarity in addressing the public health crisis.
“Death from drug overdose impacts not only the loved ones of the person lost, but it can have ripple effects on the entire community,” Sara Hartstein, Public Health Division director at Benton County said through a press release. “This month, we are reminded of the many ways we can all show up, organize and take action to help prevent future overdose deaths in our community.”
Philomath-area residents may be interested in four events that the county has planned in Corvallis and Monroe. Community members can attend vigils to honor those who have died from overdose while acknowledging the grief experienced by surviving families and friends. Additionally, the department’s Harm Reduction Program will provide training on recognizing and responding to overdose situations.
All attendees will receive free naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. The events are open to the public:
- Corvallis Overdose Recognition and Response Training: Aug. 13, 5:30-7 p.m., 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis.
- Monroe Overdose Awareness Vigil: Aug. 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 648 Orchard St., Monroe.
- Monroe Overdose Recognition and Response Training: Aug. 22, 5:30-7 p.m., 648 Orchard St., Monroe.
- Corvallis Overdose Awareness Vigil: Aug. 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 602 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis.
While events will be conducted in English, the Health Department offers language interpretation services upon request. Interested community members should email healthdeptcommunications@bentoncountyor.gov to arrange these services.
For additional information and resources on overdose prevention, visit bit.ly/BentonCoHealthDeptHarmReduction. More details about International Overdose Awareness Day are available at overdoseday.com.