Brazil holds International Overdose Awareness event

BRAZIL, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Saturday was International Overdose Awareness Day and to educate people on overdose, as well as mourn the loss of victims, there was an overdose awareness event in Brazil.

International Overdose Awareness Day is held on August 31 ever year. It is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose.

One of the leaders of international overdose awareness says this event benefits the community in many ways.

Our main goal is to, number one, allow a public place to mourn those that we have lost to overdose. Bring resources to the community. End stigma on overdose. Just allow those that are struggling to know there is help out here.

Michael Hadley – International Overdose Awareness

International Overdose Awareness wasn’t the only organization at the event. Many awareness and recovery groups had booths to educate people on different topics and provide demonstrations.

One of the main resources in the local community is Anabranch Recovery Center. They were set up at the park to build relationships and provide resources to people, but also there for anyone looking for recovery.

We are really happy to be able to offer individuals the opportunity to come out and learn, collect resources, engage with some of our entertainment, have some of the food, build fellowship, build relationships with people who are also in recovery or looking for recovery. We have a mobile assessment center for any individual who is curious about getting into treatment and we are here, on the front lines, ready to help anybody that is looking for help.

Zackery Pritcher – Director of Business Development at Anabranch Recovery Center

Despite this only being the second year for the event, you can already see the effects in Clay County.

Brazil Mayor Brian Wyndham says the numbers speak for themselves.

What they do, their results are showing it. For example, there was not a death in Clay County due to overdose last year. That tells you how their programs work.

Brian Wyndham – Mayor of Brazil

The event had recovery testimonies, a live performance, and awards were handed out to leaders in the recovery community.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.