The Benton County Health Department will host free community events Aug. 15-16 in Monroe and Aug. 19 and Aug. 29 in Corvallis to increase education and awareness around drug overdose.
The events coincide with International Overdose Awareness Day — the world’s largest campaign to end overdose by raising awareness and reducing stigma — on Aug. 31.
“Drug overdose is a public health issue and in recent years we have seen an increase in the number of overdose deaths around the nation due to fentanyl,” Sara Hartstein, interim deputy director of public health at Benton County, said in a press release. “We hope to empower our community with resources and information and stand together to lower the risk of overdose death for everyone in Benton County.”
The public is invited to attend a candlelight vigil in Monroe or Corvallis to remember those who have died from overdose and acknowledge the grief of the families and friends left behind. The health department’s Harm Reduction Program will also provide free training in Monroe and Corvallis on how to recognize and respond to an overdose.
In Monroe, the overdose awareness vigil is scheduled for 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday at Heritage Hall (648 Orchard St.). The overdose recognition and response training runs from 5:30-7 p.m. Friday at the same location.
In Corvallis, the overdose recognition and response training runs from 5:30-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19 at Benton County’s Kalapuya Building (4500 SW Research Way). The overdose awareness vigil is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Aug. 29 at First Christian Church (602 Madison Ave.).
The Health Department will distribute free naloxone at the training events and light dinner will be provided to participants.