Second Overdose awareness event is Friday

Prevention, treatment, recovery and grief support will be the focus at the second annual International Overdose Awareness Day on Friday, Aug. 23, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mercersburg Lions Club Park.

“We had close to 200 people attend last year’s event,” said Vicki Rhodes, formerly of Greencastle. One of the event coordinators, she lost her daughter Teri Rhodes to an overdose in 2015. “This is a free family-friendly educational outreach effort with lots of valuable resources.”

More than a dozen agencies and organizations will be represented, including the Healthy Communities Partnership, which will be conducting Narcan training. Others include: Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol, Keystone Community Outreach, Gaudenzia Treatment Services, Pyramid Healthcare, LightHouse Recovery, Franklin County Veterans Affairs “Operation Reach,” Noah’s House/Gracie’s Place, Smart Recovery, Drew Michael Taylor Foundation, Leah’s Legacy Bags and GRASP Support Group.

Three important events and times are:

• Narcan Training: 6 to 7:15 p.m. at the pavilion
• Grief Support for Children: 7:15 to 7:45 p.m.
• Remembrance Service: 8 to 8:30 p.m. Those attending are encouraged to bring a framed photo of their loved one to place on the stage. Clarence Horst of Celebration Ministries will deliver the message "Recovery from Addiction; Living and Coping with Grief. "

The Mason-Dixon Boy Scouts of America will have a rock climbing wall with a certified instructor, sponsored by Romeo’s Pizza, for children to navigate, along with rock painting. Free purple Overdose Awareness wristbands will be available while supplies last. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the evening. Food will be available to purchase.

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy musician Pete Lancaster.

Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol is helping to sponsor the event.

For more information, call Mike Straley at 717-552-8885.