Veterans Park in downtown Frankfort was the site of the annual Overdose Awareness Day event which brings several entities from the community to help those with addiction problems and to increase community awareness on how to fix it.
“I think it’s an important event for whole entire community to recognize those who have lost their lives to overdose and for people to be aware of the progress that’s been made in Clinton County in the last year and a half towards abuse disorder and also to give remembrance to those who’ve lost their lives and support their families,” said Healthy Communities of Clinton County Coalition Executive Director Lorra Archibald.
Besides various speakers talking about a wide variety of events and available options to the crowd, the event was highlighted by a prayer chain and a balloon release. There was also Naloxone (Narcan) Training held at the Iron Block Building which houses the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and Frankfort Main Street.
Archibald said things are getting better especially in the area when it comes to opioids and heroin.
“Some of the other substances, we need to continue to focus and work on,” said Archibald. “We need to make sure we hit the other substances that are being used in the community.”
Asked what is the biggest priorities or needs in the county, Archibald said the need to continue to have treatment options like the proposed One80 Recovery Resource Center for men as well as have treatment options that individuals can get to.
“I think we have to decrease the stigma related to substance use disorder,” said Archibald. “We have to know that it is a medical condition. We have to decrease the stigma so people aren’t afraid to get assistance with the problem.”