4th Annual vigil for International Overdose Awareness Day held on Town Common (audio)

FM #1267 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1267 in the series. 

This session shares the 4th Annual International Overdose Awareness Day vigil held on the Franklin Town Common on Saturday, August 31, 2024. 

SAFE Coalition co-founders, Jen Levine and Jim Derick welcomed the group. Jen spoke first and introduced Rev Jacob Juncker who led the group with a brief prayer. Meg spoke next of her recovery journey and the loss of her brother. Jim Derick spoke of his journey and the loss of his son. Rev Kathy McAdams closed with a prayer.

The group then lit candles, there were a few other remarks but my audio didn’t successfully pick those up. Franklin TV did record the event also. When the video is available, we’ll share that too.

The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1267-ioad-safe-vigil-08-31-24/

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International Overdose Awareness Day -> https://www.overdoseday.com/ 

SAFE Coalition -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ 

Photo album of the speakers at the event ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dZHnpUwiWmqximfB9

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The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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4th Annual vigil for International Overdose Awareness Day held on Town Common (audio)

Franklin Commemorates Overdose Awareness Day with Community Vigil - August 31, 2024

International Overdose Awareness Day will be marked this year in Franklin with a community vigil from 6 PM to 7 PM on August 31 at Franklin Town Common. This annual event is intended to end overdose, remember those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of those left behind. 

The vigil is hosted by SAFE Coalition, a local nonprofit committed to inclusive and judgement-free support for substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and family support. SAFE and volunteers will also place memorial flags in Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham. 

Jennifer Knight-Levine, CEO and co-founder of SAFE, says commemoration like IOAD is not just for those whose lives have been touched by overdose, but the entire community. “Losing a loved one to addiction can be isolating and deeply painful,” says Knight-Levine. “Coming together and building community with those who have felt a similar loss leaves everyone with a greater sense of connection and purpose.”

Franklin Commemorates Overdose Awareness Day with Community Vigil - August 31, 2024

The threat of overdose is both serious and urgent. Massachusetts experienced 2,125 fatal overdoses in 2023, making the state 15th in the nation for overdose deaths, according to the state’s Department of Health. The Center for Disease Control reports over 107,000 people died nationwide from overdose in 2023. 

According to Knight-Levine, the need for awareness-raising events like IOAD is more important than ever. 

“The opioid epidemic has dramatically changed how we think about prescribing practices, family medication history, and the power and role of pharmaceutical companies,” says Knight-Levine. “But it has most directly broken families and torn apart communities. This vigil is really a community formed to honor and remember those who have passed from an overdose.”

This year, thousands of communities worldwide will participate in IOAD, which was established in 2001. The theme of IOAD 2024 is “Together We Can,” highlighting the power of our community when we all stand together. 

Those wishing to volunteer with SAFE to place flags or help with the vigils can email info@safecoalitionma.org People can also participate by using the hashtags #TogetherWeCan #IOAD2024 #EndOverdose. 

With support groups, educational courses, events, training, support services and more, SAFE provides a whole-person, whole-family, whole-community approach to addiction, prevention, and recovery. To learn more about SAFE’s offerings or volunteer, visit the SAFE website -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

WHAT: Public vigil 

DATE: Saturday, Aug. 31

TIME: 6 PM to 7 PM

PLACE: Franklin Town Common

Mark the date: International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2024

"Last year, 2,125 people died from overdose in Massachusetts (MA DPH). Join us to remember and honor loved ones we’ve lost to overdose.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is observed each August 31. On this day, communities worldwide come together to reduce overdose stigma, increase understanding and awareness, remember those who died of overdose, and prevent drug-related harm.

For IOAD, SAFE will host a community vigils from 6 – 7 PM at Franklin and Wrentham Town Commons. They will also work with community members to place memorial flags across the region.

To volunteer with SAFE for Overdose Awareness Day, complete this form forms.office.com/r/pXtEQrKpTi or email info@safecoalitionma.org

Mark the date: International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2024

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C9xIzjTp7Ul/

SAFE coalition provides FREE NARCAN training

Via the SAFE Coalition: 

SAFE coalition provides FREE NARCAN training

"Save a life.
Carry Narcan.

Over 100,000 community members lose their life to overdose every year. A higher rate of overdoses happen during the summer months.

One pill can kill.

Fentanyl, Xylazine, and Nitazene are dramatically impacting the rate at which someone experiences an overdose.

You and your loved ones are worthy of support. You are not alone.

We train and provide Narcan at no cost:
email us at info@safecoalitionma.org"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8XlVUhxEey/