Hope and unity were common themes at a National Opioid Overdose Prevention Day event Thursday in downtown Butler.
The free forum was sponsored by Butler Health System. Speakers focused on the recovery process and how different people respond to different treatment. Former addicts, now sober, shared stories of how they got clean following addiction.
“There’s lots of work to be done but we’re making progress,” Commissioner Kim Geyer said Thursday. “The more we talk about it and have conversations, people leave with more education, believing, having some hope that they can reach out and get the help that they need. We’re all fighting this battle and it’s important that we do it together because we’re stronger when we work together.”
Rather than focus on resources Butler County does not have, Commissioner Kevin Boozel recognizes that recovery is a real option for all who struggle with substance abuse.
“There’s not enough resources,” Boozel said. “I don’t believe that there will ever be enough resources. But, that’s not the message of hope. The message of hope is that I’ve seen people do this on their own. I’ve seen families come back together.”
There will likely be more events in the coming weeks. September is National Recovery Month.
