Highland County commissioners issue Ohio Overdose Awareness Day proclamation

Highland County commissioners Terry Britton, David Daniels and Brad Roades issued a proclamation Wednesday recognizing Aug. 31 as Ohio Overdose Awareness Day in Highland County, ahead of a planned day of remembrance and awareness for local overdose victims.

Accepting the proclamation were staff members of the Highland County Probation Office — Treatment Navigator Kim Davis, Officer Jon Parr and Director of Programming & Clinical Services and Drug Court Coordinator Tonya Sturgill — as well as Jeff Meyer. The Probation Office representatives are active in Highland County’s New Way to Recovery Drug Court as well as Hope for Highland County and the Highland County Drug Abuse Prevention Coalition, the latter two of which Meyer is a member.

“We have continued to support the community in the recovery efforts, while all along recognizing those who have lost their lives along the way from a drug overdose,” Davis told commissioners. “I appreciate your support and the recognition that you're giving today, and efforts for that, that we continue to reach out to the community and provide that support.”

2023 marks the third observance of Overdose Awareness Day in Ohio. According to the Ohio Governor’s Office, “Established in 2021 by Senate Bill 30, Ohio Overdose Awareness Day aims to raise public awareness and remember the lives lost to the ongoing national opioid epidemic. It also helps usher in September as Recovery Month.

“Communities throughout Ohio will host local awareness celebrations with the aid of funding provided by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).

“In addition to purple flags and other symbolic displays to remember Ohioans lost to overdoses, many local events will feature inspiring recovery stories, promote local treatment and recovery support service options, food and entertainment. In many areas, local health department officials and Project DAWN groups will distribute free naloxone and fentanyl test strips.”

A day of remembrance and awareness for drug overdose victims will be observed Thursday, Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. on Governor Trimble Place in Hillsboro, in front of the Highland County Courthouse. There will be guest speakers, a balloon release, Narcan training and refreshments. T-shirts will also be sold, according to Davis.

The event will be an opportunity to remember those who have lost their life to substance use, acknowledge those who are struggling and support those in recovery, organizers said.

“It’s unfortunate, but we’ve got a huge problem, along with a lot of the other communities, with the drug overdoses.” Britton said. “I think it's very important that we do whatever we can do to help this cause.”

Davis agreed, saying the drug epidemic has affected nearly “every family across the United States,” no matter their background.

“It doesn't matter if you're coming from a high-income family to a low-income family — it's hard to meet anyone nowadays that hasn't been affected by this in some way,” she said.

Davis added that she feels the community “recognizes the need for this” outreach.

“I always want to recognize the amazing community that we live in, and all the support that is provided along the way,” she said. “I work for the probation department, but I also do the Hope for Highland County, and we have great support as far as the amount of resources and folks that come along each year. Even if it's just financial support, or coming to our events, it is always welcomed.”

After meeting with the group, Britton read the proclamation for commissioners to “recognize and support Overdose Awareness Day” and to “raise awareness and support the community in the fight against drug addiction and remembering loved ones lost to the epidemic.”

“We appreciate the work you all do,” Britton told the group.

For more from Wednesday’s commission meeting, go to: https://highlandcountypress.com/highland-county-commissioners-move-forw….