KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Community Comes Together for Overdose Awareness Day
On August 30, 2024, the Knoxville community gathered at the Knoxville Convention Center to observe International Overdose Awareness Day. This annual event serves as a somber reminder of the impact of drug addiction while also providing hope and resources aimed at ending the stigma surrounding addiction.
Data from the Knox County District Attorney’s Office reveals stark and alarming figures: over 200 people have died from overdoses in Knox County this year alone, while almost 500 people lost their lives due to overdoses in 2023. These numbers serve as a urgent call to action for the community.
Voices of Recovery
Among the attendees was Katie Carringer, a peer recovery specialist who shared her personal journey. Three years ago, Caringer almost lost her life to an overdose. Today, she uses her experience to encourage others and advocate for those struggling. “If there’s a life that we can save, we want to save it because just, you know, like my life was worth saving,” she said with determination.
Carringer expressed profound gratitude for her recovery, stating, “It brings out a world of gratitude, to be able to be alive and to be able to help other people.” Her message was clear: everyone deserves a chance at recovery.
A Community Commitment
Jessica Stanley, from the Metro Drug Coalition, shared her motivations for organizing the event. She recounted her own feelings of isolation during her struggles with addiction and talked about the need for a supportive community. “I felt like I was everywhere screaming for help and would not get that help that I needed,” Stanley explained. “So it’s just amazing to be able to be on the other side, be that voice for some people who don’t get that help.”
Stanley emphasized the unity found in shared experiences, stating, “Today, no matter what people are coming for, if people are here today, they’re here for a purpose and we’re all here for that same purpose.” This sense of community is crucial for healing and recovery.
Support and Resources Available
At the heart of the day was a powerful message: people struggling with addiction are not alone. Both Carringer and Stanley highlighted that resources are readily available for those in need. “A lot of people feel ashamed of what they’ve been going through in addiction,” Carringer explained. “I just want to say that, you know, if you need help, there’s always somebody that can help you.”
The event also aimed to remember loved ones lost to addiction while offering information on prevention and support. Many attendees shared stories, tears, and hope. “There is a world of resources here today and all over the city that can help you and that your life is worth living and your life is worth saving,” Carringer added emphatically.
Fundraising for Recovery
In a move to further support recovery initiatives, all proceeds from the event went towards the Metro Drug Coalition’s Recovery Housing Support Fund. This fund is instrumental in helping individuals find safe living situations that are conducive to their recovery journey.
As individuals continue to gather strength through shared experiences, the community remains hopeful that initiatives like these will pave the way for a brighter future and contribute to a substantial decrease in overdose rates.
With the joint efforts of organizations, community members, and families, there’s a growing commitment to make Knoxville a place where everyone knows they are valued and that recovery is possible.
