Mid-Columbia Center for Living, North Central Public Health District, and the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance provided resources for event attendees.
Contributed photo
THE DALLES — Community members gathered in purple shirts Aug. 23 for One Community Health’s annual Overdose Awareness Walk, an event that honored lives lost to overdose and supported those affected by addiction.
The morning began with a sign-making session at the clinic’s Webber Street location, where participants created posters carrying messages of remembrance and hope. Walkers then followed a route along West Sixth Street to Cherry Heights Road before returning to the clinic.
Following the walk, attendees received informational resources, refreshments, wristbands and goodie bags. Organizers encouraged everyone to wear purple in recognition of National Overdose Awareness Month.
An estimated 40 people attended the August event.
Contributed photo
The walk, which has drawn more than 100 participants in past years, continued to highlight One Community Health’s efforts to address addiction through its Integrated Medication Assisted Treatment program. In 2024, the program supported more than 120 patients with medical care,counselingand peer support services.
“Every number we report represents a person — a parent, sibling, neighbor, or friend — fighting for their life,” said Kaitlyn Lehman, nursing manager with the IMAT team at One Community Health, in a press release. “Last year, our IMAT team walked alongside 120 patients in their recovery journey, and wewitnessedincredible resilience. The Overdose Awareness Walk isn't just about rememberingthosewe’velost —it’sabout showing those still struggling that this community sees them, believes in them, and willkeep fighting alongside them.”
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