Vigils to Remember Victims of Overdose in Greenwood

Vigils to Remember Victims of Overdose in Greenwood

Greenwood, August 26, 2024 – In a serene attempt to raise awareness and support those who have lost loved ones to drug overdoses, two vigils are set to be held in Abbeville and Greenwood. These events, organized by the Greenwood Abbeville Coalition, play an essential role in International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31.

Teresa Roy, director of community outreach with Cornerstone, emphasized the poignant impact these vigils aim to have. “It’s a way to honor the memory of those lost because of overdoses and to support their family and friends,” she remarked in a phone interview. “When you think that every one of those numbers was a mother, a brother, a father, a son, or a co-worker, it’s very daunting,” she added, illustrating the personal nature of each loss.

Events Schedule

The vigils will be held at the following locations and times:

• August 27: Court Square in Abbeville, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• August 29: Uptown Fountain in Greenwood, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

These gatherings will feature guest speakers, including individuals who have lost loved ones to overdoses, and prevention specialists who will demonstrate the use of Narcan, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses.

Personal Stories and Stigma Reduction

One notable speaker at last year’s vigil was Stephen Wood. Wood shared his heart-wrenching story about his younger brother Brandon, who died of an overdose at just 21 years old. Holding a necklace that Brandon wore on the day he passed, Stephen’s words moved many attendees to tears.

“We have reached hundreds of people over the years, and we believe that success is measured in the awareness brought to substance use and overdose by recognizing lives lost,” said Justo Chalaire, director of community impact and evaluation with the United Way of the Lakelands.

Reducing the stigma surrounding substance abuse is one of the critical goals of these events. Teresa Roy pointed out that fear of judgment prevents many from seeking help. “There is fear that people have to admit they need help,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of seeing abusers as people, not their addiction.

Community Support and Resources

Alicia Smith, a prevention specialist with Cornerstone in Abbeville, highlighted how such vigils offer comfort and support to families. “People who have relatives who have died from an overdose really appreciate the time being taken to recognize them and to have a chance to receive support,” she said.

In addition to emotional support, these events also provide critical information on substance abuse and available resources. Nearly 20 agencies, including the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Carolina Health Centers, and the United Way, will have resource tables and representatives present to offer guidance and support. Attendees will also learn about programs and tools like Narcan and fentanyl test strips.

Decline in Overdoses

The community has seen a decrease in overdose cases, from 42 to 15 per year, a welcomed decline attributed partly to increased awareness and the availability of Narcan. “Greater awareness is one of the reasons for the lower number of fatal overdoses,” explained Roy.

Smith also credited the broader distribution of Narcan for the falling numbers. Organizations such as Cornerstone, Carolina Health Centers, and local departments distribute this life-saving medication, which blocks opiates’ effects on the brain and restores normal breathing during an overdose.

For those who would like to get more involved, the Greenwood Abbeville Coalition meets at 10 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Greenwood. Additional information can be obtained by contacting them at 864-227-1001.

Conclusion

The upcoming vigils are set to offer a profound reminder that behind each number is a person whose life was cut tragically short by an overdose. As these communities come together, the hope is to continue reducing the tragedies associated with substance abuse and providing enduring support to all affected.

For more details, contact staff writer Robert Jordan at 864-943-5650.