Mental Health Agency Raises Overdose Awareness with Memorial Program
DETROIT, MI – August 27, 2024 - The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) Substance Use Disorder Services (SUD) team will share its efforts of prevention and harm reduction in observance of Opioid Overdose Awareness Day on Friday, August 30th from 10am to 1pm at the Clark Park Coalition on 1130 Clark Street in Southwest Detroit.
The official observance date, Saturday, August 31st marks International Overdose Awareness Day, a global campaign to end overdoses, remember loved ones and acknowledge the grief of those left behind.
“DWIHN and our network of providers are standing together to help families who have lost loved ones from overdose deaths,” said DWIHN Interim President and CEO, Manny Singla. “We are here to help and provide all the supports and services we can to keep minimize the tragedy of overdose.”
The day’s activities will feature testimonials from survivors and families impacted by opioid overdoses as well as informative discussions on prevention, treatment and recovery efforts. Additionally, providers will be on hand for a special resource fair sharing information and resources and displaying mobile units that provide services in communities and neighborhoods.
“We are thankful for the partnerships we have with our providers and the Southwest Detroit community to join together and surround families dealing with loss,” said Substance Use Disorder Services Director, Judy Davis.
Most importantly, the DWIHN team will provide a community Narcan training, distribute free kits to all who attend and cap the day off with moment of silence and balloon release to honor lives lost from the opioid epidemic.
“No matter who you are, everyone is somehow impacted by overdose,” said Davis. “We do our best everyday to make sure people are educated and aware of the resources that DWIHN and our providers offer to anyone in Wayne County.”