Overdose Awareness Day Event August 31 in Kent

Overdose Awareness Day is August 31. The Mental Health & Recovery Board will be holding an event at the Gazebo in downtown Kent on Franklin Ave. from 4-6pm to honor and remember loved ones who have overdosed. Naloxone and hygiene products will be distributed as well as other treatment and recovery resources.

Other community organizations, Townhall II, AxessPointe, Medmark, and University Hospitals Portage will be there as well to help raise awareness and fight the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction.

As of August 16, 22 people have died by accidental overdose in Portage County this year. Last year (2022) 48 people died, which was the highest number on record for Portage.

“Many people are dying with a combination of fentanyl and methamphetamine and/or other drugs in their systems,” stated John Garrity, PhD, executive director of the Mental Health & Recovery Board. “Sadly, we are learning from reports that many times people are not alone when they pass away, and their friends or family members believe that they are just sleeping.”

That is why it is important for people to learn the sign of overdose:

· Dizziness and confusion

· Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake

· Can’t be woken up

· Slow, weak or no breathing

· Blue lips or nails

· Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds

Call 911 immediately if you suspect someone is overdosing and start administering naloxone. Every moment counts.

“We want the community to know that treatment is available, and recovery is possible!” Garrity stated.

Detox, residential treatment, medication-assisted treatment, recovery housing, counseling, peer support services are all available. Contact the Portage Addiction Helpline 330-678-3006 for resources and information

Portage County Overdose Awareness Day Events

August 30

Brightview 1951 OH-59, Kent 8:30am-11:30am Breakfast, naloxone, fentanyl test strips, resources August 31

Kent Health Department multiple tabling events 1:00-3:00pm

Kent Social Services, 1066 S. Water Street Kent Free Library, 312 W Main Street Kent Gateway, 201 E Erie Street Kent State Student Center

Mental Health & Recovery Board Event Kent Gazebo Downtown Kent, Franklin Ave 4:00pm-6:00pm Partner agencies: AxessPointe Community Health, Medmark, Townhall II, University Hospitals Portage Hygiene products, naloxone, fentanyl test strips, peer support, resources

OUR Place Ravenna City Park 6:00pm-8:00pm Speakers, naloxone, resources .