An event in Owen Sound will help bring attention to the continued overdose crisis in the city.
On March 25, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the United Way, Safe n Sound, the Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH), and other partners will be at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market.
Participants should bring a carnation. The flowers will be dropped in the river after the group walks around the 8th and 9th Street bridges, symbolizing the loss of those who have passed due to the opioid crisis.
Donations will support the Supportive Outreach Service Project.
Grey Bruce Public Health will offer Naloxone kits, safe-use equipment, and information about the current epidemic and its Opioid Response Plan.
The event started in 2021, at the urging of Gelja Sheardown, to mark the anniversary of the fatal overdose death of her husband, Barrett Warwick.
“He worked seven days a week. He was a wonderful father. He was a wonderful husband, and then he was gone,” Sheardown reflected.
“I’d like to offer my most sincere condolences to the groups of families and friends who are missing those who have been lost to opioid overdose/poisoning. We’re actively collaborating with community partners, and people with lived and living experience to address the opioid pandemic in our community,” said Alexis Cook, program manager of Harm Reduction at GBPH.