by Becky Wright
A small gathering of professionals, family members and friends came together Wednesday, Aug. 31 to honor those who have been affected by drug overdose. The 31st is National Overdose Awareness day, and Mesa County is continuing the fight to educate individuals in hopes of saving lives.
“I was guilty of being judgmental about addicts,” Nicole Solk, psychiatric nurse practitioner, said. “But this is a disease. These are people, we need to remember to take it off autopilot. We are here to cherish one another.”
The evening’s events reflected this attitude. Western Colorado Aids Project (WCAP) was on hand to teach the crowd how to intervene in case they witness an overdose. Specifically, the use and availability of Naloxone. Also known as Narcan, the medication works as an opiate blocker and stops the effects of an overdose. Narcan is now available in Colorado at a number of pharmacies without a prescription. A dose of Narcan, accompanied by immediate intervention from health professionals can save a life.
“Health professionals are the second in line,” Solk said. “Narcan needs to be available to those on the frontlines – the families, friends and activists in regular contact with people using.”
The event came to a close with a number of speakers from the community. Brittney F., 28, will have two years of a sobriety on Sept. 27. She spoke about being prescribed medication for pain during pregnancy, and the powerful addiction that took control of her life from that moment.
“It’s never too early or too late to quit,” she said. “Realize the seriousness of drugs and drinking, it will turn into more and it will ruin lives.”
Chris Lawrence, addictions counselor and the evening’s organizer then spoke. He said that drugs not only numb the pain, but numb hopes, dreams and aspirations.
“You don’t have to do this on your own,” Lawrence said. “Let all of us fill the cracks of brokenness with hope in our community. People can be held accountable and loved at the same time.”
For information on detoxing, overdose prevention and intervention, individuals can contact Western Colorado Aids Project at www.westcap.info, 970.243.2437, or visit 805 Main Street, Downtown Grand Junction.
