By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
St. Joseph will hold an event as part of a global day designed to reduce the stigma of drug related death and raise awareness of the dangers of overdose.
Health Educator Stephanie Malita says the St. Joseph Health Department hosts many outreach events and this is one of the most moving events.
"The most impactful in terms of hearing stories from people who work in the trenches, from people who have lived through this, people who are still struggling, and those who in our community and want to help anyone who is willing to reach out and ask for that help," Malita tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post
The remembrance event will take place this evening (Thu.) at 7pm at Felix Street Square. Attendance is free and people coming to the event are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
During the event as part of International Overdose Awareness Day people suffering from the loss of a drug overdose will be recognized and also have an opportunity to tell their stories.
Malita says a common theme they hear about after the event is the hope people feel and the connections they make
"We take for granted that we're not in it alone, but at an event like this you really see that there are others who share in this struggle and in the celebrations," Malita points out.
Malita says hearing that appreciation from people is one reason this event is held each year.
The event will also provide several resources to those struggling with drug related problems, ranging from the Buchanan County Opioid Force to Narcotics Anonymous.
Malita says also among all the free swag people will receive at the event, Narcan will also be provided.
"So most of the tables, most of our partners in the coalition, will have Narcan available, it will be there for free, if you aren't certain on how to use it there will be people there that will be able to demonstrate how to use the Narcan so that you feel confident using it if somebody needs your assistance," Malita explains.
The event will take place at Felix Street Square this evening (Thu.) at 7pm. Attendance is free. Deputy Mayor Randy Schultz will read a proclamation to begin the event.