International Overdose Awareness Day held annually on Aug. 31 — is the world’s largest campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. The theme for 2024, “Together we can,” emphasizes the power of community when we all stand united.

This year’s event in Jackson County was hosted in partnership by 180 RCO, the Jackson County Drug Free Council and Centerstone at Crossroads Park in Seymour. Several local and regional medical, behavioral health and nonprofit service providers were present to offer resources and engage community members.

Brooke Lane, president of the drug free council, talked about the importance of the event.

“International Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and remember those individuals who have lost the battle to addiction,” Lane said. “It’s also a chance for us to support their families and loved ones. Addiction is a normal part of our community and so is recovery. We can no longer pretend that these vital issues don’t exist. Nearly everyone in our community knows a family impacted by addiction and overdose. It takes a community-wide effort to bring what has historically been in the darkness into the light and end this crisis.”

Dustin Vice, program director at Anchor House and board member of 180 RCO, served as the master of ceremonies for the event. Rachel Fenton offered the invocation for the event. Local artist Kyle McIntosh performed a live art show. An hour of live music, performed by Riley and Corey Lawles, set the tone for a meaningful remembrance and celebration.

Carla Wright, a registered nurse in Jackson County, provided education and practical training on harm reduction principles, including how to reverse an opioid overdose using naloxone — commonly referred to as Narcan. The event widely distributed Narcan, with the message that everyone should carry it because “you never know when you may have the opportunity to save a life.”

Destiny Woods bravely addressed the crowd, sharing her personal story about how overdose has recently affected her family.

Kaleb Lane, from Jackson-Jennings Community Corrections, shared his journey from active addiction to long-term recovery, highlighting how he now serves the community through helping others with similar experiences.

Jackson Superior Court I Judge AmyMarie Travis spoke about the broad community impact the opioid crisis has had on our community and the hope of us all working together to make a difference prior to a butterfly release and memorial walk through downtown Seymour.

Progress and Hope for the Future

Encouragingly, progress is being made in Indiana and Jackson County as overdose numbers decline. Indiana Drug Czar Doug Huntsinger reported an 18% decrease in overdose deaths across Indiana in 2023, the second-highest decline among all states. Schneck Medical Center reported a 52% decrease in overdose-related incidents in its emergency department in 2023. In Jackson County, 23 overdose deaths were remembered at the 2023 IOAD event, a number that fell to 19 in 2024, according to the Jackson County Coroner Paul Foster’s office.

“We are making tremendous strides as a community to address the opioid crisis,” said Ben Beatty, executive director of 180 RCO. “A new spirit of collaboration has begun to pervade the community — from local leaders and the criminal justice system to community stakeholder agencies and the community as a whole. The voice of the recovery community, as well as individuals and families who are still struggling, is being heard. If we can continue to build on this spirit of unity, there is great hope.”