Adding Kentucky to a list of similar events being held around the world Wednesday, state Rep. Patti Minter, Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman and others gathered in the Capitol Rotunda this afternoon to commemorate this year’s International Overdose Awareness Day.
Rep. Patti Minter
In her remarks as emcee, Rep. Minter of Bowling Green noted that, after another record year of overdose deaths in Kentucky, “we unfortunately understand the importance of this day all too well. We lost 2,250 of our loved ones in 2021, and there were many others who thankfully were able to be revived.”
She added that “this day is not just a time of remembrance, though; it is also a call to action. As long as there is addiction, we will be here to fight it and to support those who need our love and care in this battle.”
“Team Kentucky mourns those lost to an overdose,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said. “The drug epidemic impacts every Kentucky community and has taken far too many of our family members, friends, and neighbors. We are working with communities to provide support for those battling addiction so they may experience a happy and healthy future.”
“The drug epidemic is not a Kentucky issue or a political issue, but a nationwide issue that is affecting everyone and every state,” said Van Ingram, executive director for the Office of Drug Control Policy. “Our focus over this next year will be on increasing access to clinical care for those suffering from an addiction and offering more harm reduction measures. Addiction can be reduced one community at a time by offering recovery-ready services.”
The poster board
The ceremony included a proclamation from Governor Andy Beshear that was presented by Lt. Gov. Coleman. In addition to formally recognizing Aug. 31st as International Overdose Awareness Day, Gov. Beshear also directed flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff and announced the Governor’s Mansion will be lit this evening in purple, the color that symbolizes the day.
In addition to Rep. Minter, Lt. Gov. Coleman, and Executive Director Ingram, others who spoke at the ceremony included Jennifer Hancock, president and CEO of Volunteers of America Mid-States; and Tara Moseley Hyde, the CEO of People Advocating Recovery.
Several Kentucky House members attended, as did other advocates and those who have either lost a loved one to a drug overdose or know someone who has struggled with addiction.
Many took the opportunity to write the names of loved ones on a large International Overdose Awareness Day poster brought in to the Rotunda for the event.
