By Krystle J. Bailey
As overdose cases rise amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, it is more pressing than ever to break the stigmas of addiction and provide resources for families affected by it.
That is the goal of the Recovery Force of Atlantic County who will be hosting the 5th Annual Overdose Awareness day on Monday, August 31st in Atlantic City.
This international day of remembrance offers families who have been impacted by addiction an opportunity to come together for a greater good.
Founder and CEO of Recovery Force, Bob Catalano encourages community members to join in the educational day, whether or not they’ve personally been touched by addiction. The impacts of addiction can happen to anyone, without warning. Catalano encourages everyone to be knowledgeable about the warning signs of addiction, what to look for in the people that you love, and how to help someone who may be in need.
Located in McClinton Park in Atlantic City, the waterfront event will offer free food and beverage, Narcan training, resources, a vigil for lost loved ones and more.
Over 50 elected officials have been invited to attend and are being asked to pledge a Recovery Bill of Rights that empowers individuals to live a life of recovery.
The pledge asks that those afflicted by addiction are offered the same rights and treatment that anyone else suffering from disease is given. There is an underlying stigma that those seeking help for addiction won’t last in their treatment and therefore, often aren’t given the care that they deserve and desperately need.
Catalano notes, “Society often tells us that recovery isn’t a reality. We will be hearing from three individuals who have once lived a life of addiction and are now living their life of recovery.”
In addition, families who have lost loved ones to addiction will be speaking about their experiences. Catalano will be sharing a keynote speech about what he refers to as “the worst man-made public health crisis of our time.”
“Our goal is to take away the shame that someone feels when they have a medical condition. If we can take away the shame, people will come out early and get the help that they need.
The problem that still exists is that only 10% of the people who need help, get it because of the shame and stigmas. They don’t want to be labeled so they keep it to themselves, which often leads to a deep depression” explains Bob Catalano.
The free August 31st event will take place at McClinton Park from 6-8pm. Refreshments will be provided. Sponsors include Hard Rock, Wawa, Tropicana, AtlantiCare and more.
Appropriate Covid-19 social distancing plans are in place. The vendors and seating is streamlined so that attendees will be single file in one direction. Masks are required to attend. There are designated seating areas to maintain social distancing and RSVP is required.
To RSVP or learn more, visit www.recoveryforce.org .
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet
