PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY… Agencies such as the Williams County Health Department (above) and other local support groups gathered at the Williams County Courthouse on Wednesday, September 3, to mark Overdose Awareness Day, recognizing the need for counseling, support, and treatment for those who have battled drug addiction.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
Williams County hosted the annual overdose awareness day on Wednesday, September 3, at the Williams County Courthouse square.
With a number of local agencies and support groups in attendance – providing important information on treatment options, recovery programs, and community support services for those battling addiction or perhaps living drug-free – it was also part of the world’s largest annual campaign dedicated to ending drug overdose.
“We’re a substance abuse prevention coalition that brings different individuals and community partners together and different organizations together to reduce substance abuse in the area,” said Bethany Coutz, program director of ECHO (Educating Communities on Healthy Opportunities) Coalition. “It’s a multi-sector partnership that addresses substance abuse.”
The ECHO Coalition, which is located in the Williams County Health Department, promotes and advocates healthy lifestyles free from substance abuse among youth and, over time, adult use.
“We have come together with the shared mission to reduce substance abuse and impacts in Williams County,” commented Coutz.
“Our work focuses on prevention, education, and community engagement in connecting people with resources and support they need.
“We believe by working together as a united community, we can create lasting changes and support healthier futures for everyone in our county.”
In hosting this annual overdose awareness event, Coutz pointed out that the main purpose is to reduce the stigma related to substance abuse and which affects every individual and family nationwide.
“We need to spread that awareness in Williams County,” said Coutz. “We have a lot of agencies within the Williams County community that are available to help.
“So, we have agencies like Recovery Services, Maumee Valley Guidance Center, Never Let Go Ministries, and all those other different organizations have the resources available to help. If you are struggling to reach out to somebody, so that way you don’t have to fight alone.”
She then added, “Even if you’ve been able to walk into recovery, it’s still a very hard journey to walk through. You don’t have to do it alone; the people who support you, whether it be a family friend or even somebody who does work in prevention and treatment.”
Coutz mentioned the month of September is also recognized as “National Recovery Month” here in Williams County.
“This evening might feel a little heavy, but it’s more than statistics or headlines, it’s about names, faces, memories,” said Coutz.
“It’s about the people we love and miss. It’s about the people who are still with us. Those who are walking the long road of recovery, and those silently carry the weight of grief, worry, and trauma.
“We are here to remember, but also to rise together as families, as neighbors, and as a community. This event is about remembering those we lost; it’s also about standing together in hope, healing, and purpose.”