Community members gathered in support Thursday Aug. 31 as they participated in the fifth annual Overdose Awareness walk to remember loved ones lost and those who still mourn. Sponsored by the Coalition for Overdose Awareness and Recovery, the group gathered at the Adams County Courthouse and proceeded to the Gettysburg Rec Park, where several speakers addressed the issue of addiction.
“From birth to death, we rely on each other to better understand our world, and we need each other to better know ourselves,” said Adams County Commissioner Marty Qually. He spoke to the problem of childhood trauma often derailing people from who they were meant to be and preventing them from achieving their goals. “All of us need help getting back on track,” he added. Not getting that help can lead to destructive paths, he suggested.
Nicholas House representative Matthew Love shared his story about growing up with addiction and losing his mother to an overdose at a young age. Nicholas House is a sober living residence located in Gettysburg that provides services for those recovering from addiction.
Pastor Brenda Walter, Fairfield Mennonite Church, shared her experiences working with Children and Youth Services in the early days and said she is thankful for the many more available resources today. “Walk alone, and you’ll fail,” she said. “Walk together and together we soar.” She added she was very grateful for the youth in the community who are showing people how to be loving, helpful, and nonjudgemental.
Andrea Dolges, Executive Director Center for Youth and Community Development. She praised the unsung heroes who work every day to combat the death of loved ones – law enforcement, treatment providers, and first responders. “We need your help. It requires that we’re willing to save lives, that we’re ready and there to save lives.” She added that the community must be willing to take action together as a coalition to make positive changes in Adams County.
A multi-ethnic, multi-generational group of about 75 people participated in the event, where free Naloxone kits were available. Naloxone is frequently delivered through a nasal spray and rapidly reverses an opioid overdose by restoring normal breathing in overdoses of opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine.
The coalition meets on the third Tuesday of each month through Zoom or in person at 233 West High St.
The group prioritizes:
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Increased access and utilization of naloxone to save lives.
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A continuum of care available from early intervention through sustained recovery for every person in Adams County.
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Reduced supply of available opioids in the county.
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Information on signs of a substance or opioid use disorder, treatment options, and recovery programs available in the community.
Judith Cameron Seniura is a freelance reporter. She began her journalism career in the early ‘70s and has written for newspapers, magazines, and other media in Ontario, Canada, Alaska, Michigan, Nebraska, San Antonio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.