Posted Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Community Continues Hard Work Around Addictions Recovery

Mayor Richard Strick presents an Overdose Awareness Day proclamation to Alisha Davis, board member for Place of Grace. Members of local law enforcement and the Huntington County Department of Child's Services also attended Wednesday's ceremony at the Huntington City Building.

HUNTINGTON – Overdose deaths in Huntington County fell nearly by half in 2022 according to state health data, but nobody working in prevention, treatment and recovery is about to ease up.

There were 11 overdose deaths in Huntington County last year, after our community saw 21 overdose deaths in 2021.

“There was a concerted effort by local government, law enforcement, service providers and community advocates to being awareness and resources to our community in response to the drastic rise in overdoses and overdose deaths in our community in 2021,” Place of Grace Director Brittany Renkenberger says. “It seems these efforts opened the door for healthy conversations about substance abuse in our community.”

Renkenberger describes law enforcement partners and first responders working on the front lines of substance abuse response as “incredible allies” who connect individuals and families with the resources they need to overcome addiction.

One of the focuses of International Overdose Awareness Day, celebrated on August 31 and recognized in a City of Huntington proclamation earlier today, is the emotional toll the job takes on health care and public safety workers in communities like ours.

Compassion fatigue and secondary trauma are real concerns recovery professionals and first responders face, and it’s important for loved ones and employers to provide support and encouragement to seek help if they need it.

“In my opinion, those in the ‘trenches’ working alongside persons battling addiction are some of our unsung heroes in this community,” Renkenberger says.

A community Overdose Awareness Day Vigil is planned for 7 p.m. this Thursday, August 31, at Hier’s Park. The goal of the annual vigil is to gather as a community to remember lives lost to overdose and provide awareness, education and resources to overcome substance abuse and addiction. 

If you or someone you know needs help, you can call 2-1-1 for a comprehensive list of available resources. You can also visit the Indiana Department of Mental Health website at https://secure.in.gov/apps/fssa/providersearch/home/category/as to explore treatment options.

Read the Overdose Awareness Day Proclamation