THE DALLES — Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living (EOCIL) and One Community Health (OCH) are partnering for the second year to host an Overdose Awareness Walk and Resource Fair on Aug. 31 beginning at 10 a.m. The event, which begins at Lewis and Clark Park in The Dalles, aims to raise awareness about overdose prevention and provide support for those impacted by addiction. EOCIL has held this event for many years, bringing together individuals, families, and organizations to honor the memory of those lost to overdose and support those battling addiction.
The walk begins at Lewis and Clark Park, proceeds down 2nd Street to Domino’s, and returns to Lewis and Clark Park via Third Street. The resource fair will follow the walk at Lewis and Clark Park. Participants are encouraged to wear purple as a sign of solidarity. Signs and memorials are welcome to help create a meaningful and impactful experience as we come together to remember loved ones, raise awareness, and advocate for change.
“An overdose is not just a statistic. It’s a life lost and a powerful reminder that every person struggling with substance use deserves compassion and a chance for recovery,” says Kaitlyn Lehman, RN, Medication Assisted Treatment Medical Support at One Community Health. By participating in the walk, attendees will stand in solidarity with those affected by addiction and help to break down the stigma surrounding this critical issue.
“The Overdose Awareness Walk not only raises awareness about the devastating impact opioids have on our communities, but it also brings us together in a spirit of unity. We know that a strong sense of belonging is one of the most powerful defenses against addiction. By fostering community at our walk, we aim to break down the stigma that prevents people from sharing their experiences with addiction. We want everyone to know that we see them, and we stand together in the fight against addiction,” says Shannon O’Brien, Behavioral Health consultant at One Community Health.
The event will conclude with a resource fair at Lewis and Clark Park, where attendees can access information and resources from local organizations committed to addiction prevention and recovery. In addition to resources, the fair will include volleyball, lawn games, and free tacos from Tacos Tumbras for the first 100 attendees.
“This recovery-focused event will include Native American drumming with Wellbriety Movement and healing classes with Amy Shaw from the Center for Living,” says Lupita Castillo, Harm Reduction Specialist at EOCIL. “EOCIL is here to support those in active addiction, offering peer guidance to help them find detox, treatment, and hope.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about services offered by OCH and EOCIL that can benefit those struggling with addiction. OCH’s substance use recovery program provides personalized counseling, case management, comprehensive medical care, and medication-assisted treatment in the mid-Columbia River Gorge. EOCIL runs a needle exchange program, distributes Naloxone, provides Narcan training, and works closely with houseless individuals, supporting transitions to treatment for addiction in the Columbia River Gorge and Eastern Oregon.
Overdose Awareness Walk and Resource Fair in The Dalles on August 31st
The Dalles, OR –Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living (EOCIL) and One Community Health (OCH) are partnering for the second year to host an Overdose Awareness Walk and Resource Fair on August 31, 2024. The event, which begins at Lewis and Clark Park in The Dalles, aims to raise awareness about overdose prevention and provide support for those impacted by addiction. EOCIL has held this event for many years, bringing together individuals, families, and organizations to honor the memory of those lost to overdose and support those battling addiction.
“An overdose is not just a statistic. It's a life lost and a powerful reminder that every person struggling with substance use deserves compassion and a chance for recovery,” says Kaitlyn Lehman, RN, Medication Assisted Treatment Medical Support at One Community Health. By participating in the walk, attendees will stand in solidarity with those affected by addiction and help to break down the stigma surrounding this critical issue.
“The Overdose Awareness Walk not only raises awareness about the devastating impact opioids have on our communities, but it also brings us together in a spirit of unity. We know that a strong sense of belonging is one of the most powerful defenses against addiction. By fostering community at our walk, we aim to break down the stigma that prevents people from sharing their experiences with addiction. We want everyone to know that we see them, and we stand together in the fight against addiction,” says Shannon O'Brien, Behavioral Health Consultant at One Community Health.
The event will conclude with a resource fair at Lewis and Clark Park, where attendees can access information and resources from local organizations committed to addiction prevention and recovery. In addition to resources, the fair will include volleyball, lawn games, and free tacos from Tacos Tumbras for the first 100 attendees.
"This recovery-focused event will include Native American drumming with Wellbriety Movement and healing classes with Amy Shaw from the Center for Living,” says Lupita Castillo, Harm Reduction Specialist at EOCIL. “EOCIL is here to support those in active addiction, offering peer guidance to help them find detox, treatment, and hope."
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about services offered by OCH and EOCIL that can benefit those struggling with addiction. OCH’s substance use recovery program provides personalized counseling, case management, comprehensive medical care, and medication-assisted treatment in the mid-Columbia River Gorge. EOCIL runs a needle exchange program, distributes Naloxone, provides Narcan training, and works closely with houseless individuals, supporting transitions to treatment for addiction in the Columbia River Gorge and Eastern Oregon.
Event Details:
When: August 31, 2024 | 10 am
Where: The walk begins at Lewis and Clark Park, proceeds down 2nd Street to Domino's, and returns to Lewis and Clark Park via 3rd Street. The resource fair will follow the walk at Lewis and Clark Park.
Participants are encouraged to wear purple as a sign of solidarity. Signs and memorials are welcome to help create a meaningful and impactful experience as we come together to remember loved ones, raise awareness, and advocate for change.
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