Steps for Change overdose awareness and stigma reduction walk to be held Saturday

POCATELLO — Southeastern Idaho Public Health (SIPH) has announced that it will hold a walk to raise awareness about the overdose crisis and reduce the stigma about addiction.

According to a news release from SIPH, the event is free and is called the Steps for Change: Overdose Awareness and Stigma Reduction Walk. It will take place on Saturday at Lookout Point in Historic Downtown Pocatello, 426 W. Lewis St.

In addition to the walk, participants will also be able to get snacks and visit booths that provide information about health services and community resources.

The walk will begin at 4 p.m. and will be kicked off by Mayor Brian Blad. Participants are encouraged to wear purple. The color purple is associated with overdose awareness.

The event is an attempt to bring attention to the overdose epidemic and to honor the people who have lost their lives to overdose. SIPH also hopes to educate people about substance abuse and to help them to be more compassionate to those who suffer from it.

SIPH encourages everyone in the community to come to the event. They hope that by raising awareness about this problem that the community will be able to come together to form a better solution.

The event will start at 3 p.m. at Lookout Point on Saturday with the walk starting at 4 p.m.

More information can be found by reaching out to Morgan Anderson, Drug Overdose Prevention Program Coordinator at 208-239-5228.