Behavioral health agencies commemorate Overdose Awareness Day with special event at Ivers Square

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – International Overdose Awareness Day is a global campaign that aims to reduce the stigma surrounding drug overdose, remember those who have been lost, and advocate for comprehensive strategies to prevent future tragedies.

“Today, we come to honor those who have been lost, to mourn with those who have lost someone, but to also take action, to let people know that overdoses are preventable,” Misty Brazel with Serenity Pointe FCC Behavioral Health said. “We can treat this disease. We can help people get into recovery and live wonderful, long, healthy lives.” 

She said when someone is afflicted by drug addiction, it doesn’t just affect that one person. 

“If there’s a family member in addiction, then everyone in that family suffers, and if one person dies, everyone in that family suffers,” she said.

Thursday’s event at Ivers Square brought behavioral health agencies and members of the community together to commemorate overdose awareness and promote a more compassionate and understanding approach to addiction. 

Cape Girardeau Fire Department Chief Randy Morris delivers this message to the community. 

“We’re there for you. This isn’t a fire department problem. This isn’t a you problem. It’s a community problem,” he said. “We’re all battling this disease together, and we all have that little bit of a role to play in making it a success for our community.”