Rock Hill Commemorates International Overdose Awareness Day
In a show of solidarity and empathy, Rock Hill, South Carolina, joined the global community in marking the International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 31, 2024. This event is annually recognized worldwide with the aim of raising awareness about drug overdose and diminishing the stigma attached to drug-related fatalities. It also serves as an opportunity to grieve and remember those who have either lost their lives or suffered permanent injuries due to drug overdose, while reinforcing the preventable nature of this tragedy.
Luminary Vigil: Remembering Lives Lost
To honor this significant day, a local organization hosted a Luminary Vigil from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at Fountain Park, situated at 300 East Main Street, Rock Hill, SC 29730. A poignant commemoration, the vigil saw 118 purple lit luminary bags, symbolizing the 118 lives tragically lost to overdose in York County in the preceding year, 2023.
Saving Lives: Education, Prevention, and Support
In the fight against drug abuse and overdose, the vigil served not only as a memorial but also as a vital platform for public education and prevention. Attendees were provided with free luminary bags to commemorate loved ones lost to overdose. In proactive steps towards prevention, guests were also given Narcan – a life-saving medication widely used to counter the effects of an opioid overdose. Moreover, educational materials and resources were made available for the understanding and support of York County support groups, along with at-home Deterra drug deactivation bags for the safe disposable of unused or expired medications. The York County Coroner’s Office also contributed to the event by delivering a powerful message.
A Community United
The community was encouraged to express their support and commitment to the cause by wearing purple, illuminating their homes with purple bulbs, or adorning their trees or mailboxes with purple ribbons. The City of Rock Hill demonstrated its endorsement of the IOAD by lighting the Main Street water tower in purple on that evening.
Through these collective efforts, Rock Hill along with Keystone, a local organization providing education, treatment, and support for those affected by substance use for over fifty years, reaffirms its commitment to encouraging understanding, compassion, and change in dealing with substance use and overdose.
By observing International Overdose Awareness Day, Rock Hill is doing its part in the global battle against drug overdose, expressing its collective sorrow for lives lost, and making a strong commitment towards prevention, education, and lasting change.
