By Sarah Richardson
Acorns To Oaks Recovery Inc., a non-profit based out of western Greenbrier County, is hosting the annual Greenbrier County Overdose Awareness Day on Saturday, Aug. 24, at Roadside Park in Charmco starting at 10 a.m. This yearly gathering, which was first held last August, aims to fight stigma, highlight the positives of recovery, and bring attention to the opioid epidemic and overdoses in the area.
Area musicians will be performing at the event, and inspirational speakers will be presenting, as well. Vendors will be set up with various wares, including Melodie Richmond with Cup of Grace selling baked goods, Sierra Richmond with Heavenly Homemade selling assorted jewelry, and more. Other vendors will highlight available resources relating to recovery and addiction support.
Jennifer Crane, a Peer Recovery Support Specialist and the State Opioid Response Program Coordinator with the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and the Center For Rural and Community Health, is organizing a memorial picture display to remember those that the community has lost to overdose. If you would like for your loved one to be included in the memorial on display during the daytime events, please bring a picture with you to the event. The picture can be framed but doesn’t have to be. There will be a place to put each picture where everyone in attendance can honor their memory. If you are unable to attend but would still like your loved one to be included, please reach out to Greenbrier County Overdose Awareness Day on Facebook to coordinate that.
Ahisha Marshall of WV Healing Home will be providing information and Acudetox services. Ahisha, who is a registered nurse in recovery for 23 years, hopes to educate the public on the benefits of Acudetox and its effects. Stephen Postalwait from Seneca Health Services will be present, as well. Stephen is a veteran and works with veterans with substance use and mental health issues through Seneca.
Live music includes a performance by local musician Kodie Brooks at 1:30 p.m. and singing by eight-year-old Mila-Rose Hughart.
For more information or to order merch, visit Greenbrier County Overdose Awareness Day on Facebook.
