Kim Fraser
Director of the Lake County ADAMHS Board
OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY, AUGUST 31
Overdose Death Is Preventable, Today We Honor and Remember Those Lost By Overdose
Mentor, OH: Local agencies in Lake County and around the world came together on August 30 and 31 to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose. Observed on August 31 every year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create a better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.
The Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board planned a variety of outreach for Overdose Awareness Day. David Schick, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Lake County ADAMHS Board detailed that the ADAMHS Board had a multi-faceted approach including a digital media IOAD campaign that included awareness and promotion of support services on digital billboards both in Eastlake and Painesville Twp., streaming radio on iHeart Media, website banners, social media and lighting up two local landmarks in purple. David emphasized, “The Lake County Court House and Laketran’s Wickliffe Park-N-Ride are beacon landmarks. These outstanding community partners joined us in lighting up in purple to remember the lives lost by overdose and to raise awareness of services that could save a life of someone in crisis.”
Two Lake County ADAMHS Board agencies, Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers and Windsor Laurelwood Center for Behavioral Medicine, held IOAD events to raise awareness and promote their support services. The Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers held a tree planting ceremony at one of their residential treatment homes to remember the lives lost locally by overdose death. “As we come together on International Overdose Awareness Day, we are reminded of the profound impact addiction has on our communities” said Melanie Blasko, President and CEO of Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers. “Our tree planting ceremony highlights the strength of coming together and standing in support of those connected to the tragedy of overdose and working collectively toward a brighter, healthier future.”
Additionally, Windsor Laurelwood Center for Behavioral Medicine held a remembrance walk at their facility and provided support information. Michelle Giancola, Director of Business Development of Windsor Laurelwood, stated “As we walk in remembrance, let us walk in hope. Hope for the future where stigma around addiction is replaced with understanding and compassion. May our steps today be a sign of solidarity, of remembrance, and of hope.” The facility in Willoughby also placed 22 pinwheels for the 22 lives lost in Lake County by overdose death.
By holding IOAD events this year, the people of Lake County joined a global movement for understanding, compassion, and change. Global overdose rates have skyrocketed in the last 25 years. In 2020, an estimated 284 million people worldwide had used a drug in the past 12 months, a 26% increase from 2010. The situation is especially severe in the US. Nearly 110,000 Americans lost their lives to overdose in 2022 an increase of roughly 4% from 2021 and the second consecutive year of more than 100,000 overdose deaths
The Lake County Board of Commissioners recognized the Lake County ADAMHS Board by providing a proclamation that August 31 was Overdose Awareness Day in Lake County. John T. Plecnik, Lake County Commissioner President, implored, “When we come together as a community to remember those we have lost, we are bringing awareness and helping to stomp out the stigma surrounding substance use overdoses.” Lake County Commissioner, Richard J. Regovich indicated, “Connecting with our community members on their devastating experiences with opioid overdose is a powerful motivator to keep pushing forward on awareness and access to treatment.” John R. Hamercheck, Lake County Commissioner, added “We encourage members of the community with lived experience to come to these events and to stand in solidarity with the men and women who have been personally affected by overdose.”
About the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board
The Lake County ADAMHS Board plans, funds, monitors, and evaluates services available to residents who are living with mental illness and substance use disorders. For more information, please visit www.HelpThatWorks.us.
About Lake-Geauga Recovery Center: Lake-Geauga Recovery Center is a private, non-profit agency that provides a wide range of services for adults whose lives have been affected by their own or another’s use of alcohol, drugs, problem gambling, or by mental illness. www.LGRC.us
About Windsor Laurelwood Center for Behavioral Medicine: Celebrating 125 years of service, Windsor Laurelwood provides acute inpatient services and outpatient services for children as young as 6 years old, adolescents, and adults with mental health issues, while also providing the full continuum of care for those Adults with substance use disorders. www.WindsorLaurelwood.com
David Schick
Director of Marketing & Communications
Pronouns: he, him, his
Categories: Lake County Politics