Lorain County Public Health and partners host a “Chalk the Walk” event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 27, in Ely Square in Elyria to promote national overdose awareness, according to a news release.
Artists will create chalk designs covering Ely Square sidewalks with messages about overcoming stigma around substance use disorder and opioid overdoses, the release said.
This is a family event; all ages and skill levels are welcome. There is no cost to attend or participate.
The health department invites the community to artistically express positive and hopeful messages through chalk drawings.
“The Chalk the Walk event is an opportunity to bring the community together to support those that have lost a loved one due to an accidental overdose and those who are currently in recovery,” said Lorain County Public Health Commissioner Mark Adams in the release.
The Chalk the Walk event and Elyria Farmers Market both begin at 9 a.m. in Ely Square.
Free chalk is available to anyone who wants to participate while supplies last.
Other attractions include food trucks, music, artist chalk displays, free Narcan, free overdose awareness bracelets and free parking.
Free face painting is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hear local recovery stories from noon to 1 p.m.
In 2021, 147 Lorain County residents died of a drug overdose, 125 of which were opioid-related, according to the release.
In 2021, the health department distributed 2,169 Narcan rescue kits to Lorain County residents to prevent opioid overdoses, the release said.
Reports show that those Narcan rescue kits saved 251 individuals from dying from an opioid overdose, according to the release.
To get a free Narcan 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.
