Dubois County Advocacy for Recovery and Prevention (formerly the Substance Abuse Council) to host Seventh Annual Overdose Awareness Candlelight Vigil

According to the CDC, in 2023, the national rate of overdose deaths in the United States dropped 3%. This is the first drop that has happened since 2018; an exciting sign of the hope possible in recovery. Indiana saw an 18% reduction last year, but the number of folks we are losing is still far too high. In our unfortunate reality of substance misuse and overdose, those who have or who have watched a loved one struggle with addiction deserve a voice, recognition, and support. The free, public event includes a variety of activities such as guest speakers, live music, a live butterfly release, candle lighting ceremony, free nasal Narcan doses for all attendees, access to free materials on substance use disorder, grief, local resources, an open mic opportunity to share, and more! We strive to remember those who have passed on, support those who experience substance misuse, and inspire hope of overcoming addiction.

Those attending are free to bring blankets and/or chairs to sit on. Bringing remembrance photos of loved ones is also encouraged. We hope you will join us—rain or shine—in our efforts to bring increased awareness to overdose in our community and to remember those who have experienced the perils of addiction. You can find out more about the event by looking the group up and “liking” their Facebook page, “Dubois County Advocacy for Recovery and Prevention Council,” or by emailing coordinator April Jones at [email protected].