Defiance, OH – The Defiance County Drug Free Coalition hosted the 3rd Annual Defiance County Overdose Awareness Day at Defiance College on Wednesday, August 26, bringing over 100 community members together at the Smart Center to remember those lost to overdose, learn about prevention and recovery resources, and remind one another that together, we can end overdose.
The event provided an evening of education, connection and hope, with attendees having the opportunity to visit a resource fair, hear from individuals with personal experience, learn lifesaving overdose prevention skills, enjoy a free-will donation dinner and participate in a memorial honoring lives lost to overdose.
One of the evening’s highlights was the free-will donation dinner provided by the State Bank Gives Truck, giving attendees an opportunity to share a meal and connect with others in the community. The first 50 guests also enjoyed a free dessert from Sweet A.S. Cakes, made possible through funding from the Four County ADAMhs Board.
The event featured four speakers representing a variety of ages and experiences, each sharing their personal experiences with overdose, substance use, recovery and the impact these issues have on individuals and families. Their stories offered attendees a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a person, a family and a community affected by overdose—and that recovery and hope are possible.
Education and prevention were also central to the evening. Shannon Garza-Richardson of Maumee Valley Guidance Center provided a presentation on how to use naloxone to help prevent overdose deaths, giving attendees practical information about a lifesaving tool that can be used during an opioid overdose emergency.
Families were also encouraged to participate, with children’s books available as part of the event’s effort to provide age-appropriate resources and create opportunities for families to talk about difficult subjects surrounding substance use, emotions and recovery.
The evening also included a memorial honoring those who have died from overdose, providing space for reflection, remembrance and support for families and loved ones.
“This event continues to remind us that overdose affects every part of our community, and that prevention is something we all have a role in,” said Jessica West, Public Information Officer for the Defiance County Health Department. “What stood out to me this year was the willingness of people to share their stories, listen to one another and learn. Those conversations reduce stigma, create connections and, ultimately, save lives.”
West added, “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s event possible—from our speakers and resource organizations to the businesses and organizations that provided food, desserts, educational materials and financial support. Most importantly, we are grateful to the community members who showed up. Every person who came to learn, remember, share or support someone else helps move us closer to a community where no one has to experience the devastation of an overdose alone.”
A Community Effort
The Defiance County Drug Free Coalition extend their sincere appreciation to the organizations and businesses whose generosity helped make the 3rd Annual Overdose Awareness Day possible, including:
- Defiance College
- The Four County ADAMhs Board
- Women’s Giving Circle of Defiance County
- Defiance Elks Lodge #147
- Arthur Law Firm Co., L.P.A.
- Johns Manville / STARS
- GM
- State Bank
- R&R Handyman
- Inspirations Point
Special thanks also go to Sweet A.S. Cakes for providing 50 desserts for attendees, made possible through funding from the Four County ADAMhs Board.
“We are thankful for the many people and organizations who continue to invest in this event and in the health and well-being of Defiance County,” said West. “Overdose awareness isn’t just about one day. It’s about continuing the conversations, sharing resources, reducing stigma and making sure people know that help is available.”
The Defiance County Drug Free Coalition remains committed to bringing the community together to prevent overdose deaths, support recovery and honor the lives of those who have been lost.
Together, we can end overdose.
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Contact: Jessica West, PIO
1300 E. Second St., Ste. 100
Defiance, OH. 43512
419-784-3818
jessica.west@defiancecohealth.org
