Turning Point to host annual overdose awareness event in Paducah

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — Four Rivers Behavioral Health’s Turning Point Recovery Community Center will bring community members together Monday to remember those lost to drug overdoses and raise awareness about addiction and recovery resources.

The organization’s sixth annual Overdose Awareness and Remembrance event will be held Aug. 31 at Noble Park in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.

Turning Point will partner with local agencies, community organizations and other Four Rivers Behavioral Health substance use disorder programs for the event.

Recovery advocates and guest speakers are expected to provide information about treatment, harm reduction and other resources available in western Kentucky.

“While much progress has been made in our community, and in Kentucky — overdoses continue to happen all too often,” Turning Point Director Nathan Brockett said. “The ongoing opioid crisis and the introduction of fentanyl to the region continues to impact our community.”

Brockett said the annual event also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorders that can prevent people from seeking treatment.

“Events like this help foster compassion, awareness and demonstrate a renewed commitment to the support of people in recovery,” Brockett said.

Turning Point provides naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, at no cost through its Paducah and Mayfield offices.

The organization also distributes naloxone through kiosks in high-traffic locations across its nine-county service area. Turning Point’s Mobile Recovery van travels throughout far western Kentucky offering free naloxone, information about recovery resources and treatment options.

The event will take place Monday evening at Noble Park in Paducah.