Join Lorain County Public Health and local agencies to raise awareness on opioid overdoses during Chalk the Walk from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 19, in Ely Square in downtown Elyria, according to a news release.
The community is invited to attend and create inspiring messages to reduce stigma on opioid overdose, the release said.
The event also aims to encourage people seeking or currently in recovery from a substance use disorder, according to the release.
This event will lead up to National Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
“For many years now, substance use has been recognized as a public health concern across our county,” said Lorain County Public Health Commissioner Mark Adams. “We need to continue talking about substance use in our social circles to support friends and family who have lost a loved one to an overdose.
“Chalk the Walk is just one place to start the conversation and offer support.”
At the free event, chalk is available to anyone who wants to participate while supplies last.
Other attractions include music, artist chalk displays, naloxone (Narcan) rescue kits, face painting, awareness giveaways and food for purchase, according to the release.
Hear local recovery stories throughout the event, the release said.
The Elyria Farmer’s market will be open nearby at the same time to shop.
Everyone is encouraged to wear purple for overdose awareness, according to the release.
In 2022, there were 120 deaths related to an overdose in Lorain County, 113 (94%) of which were opioid-related, the release said.
Lorain County Public Health distributed 4,985 naloxone rescue kits to Lorain County residents to prevent opioid overdoses, according to the release.
Reports show that those naloxone rescue kits saved 318 people from dying from an opioid overdose, the release said.
“Saving someone’s life with naloxone (Narcan) provides a chance for that person to seek recovery,” according to the release.
To get a free naloxone rescue kit by mail, submit a request at LorainCountyHealth.com/opioids or visit Lorain County Public Health, 9880 Murray Ridge Road in Elyria from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays, to receive training and pick up a naloxone rescue kit, the release said.
Call 440-322-6367 to make an appointment after hours.
