LEWISTON — The Lewiston Area Public Health Committee plans to hold the third annual Rally for Recovery from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at Kennedy Park, 120 Park St.

This event aims to serve as a beacon of hope and a valuable resource for individuals and families impacted by substance use, according to a news release from Dottie Perham-Whittier with the city of Lewiston.

The opioid crisis continues to devastate families and communities across the nation. Recent statistics reveal that opioid-related deaths in America have reached alarming levels, underscoring the urgent need for awareness, recovery support and education. In 2022, 716 people died from drug overdoses in Maine alone, according to Maine Attorney General/Maine Behavioral Health overdose statistics. That’s a significant increase from the 631 overdose deaths reported across the state during 2021.

The committee continues to be concerned about the number of opioid related deaths throughout the nation and, as such, has partnered with over 30 agencies that have a heart for recovery. The Sept. 30 free event is for those struggling with addiction, those in recovery for addiction, those who have lost a loved one to addiction, those seeking help for addiction, and those who are providing support for a loved one.

During the event, those sharing their recovery journey will be River Banks, Nicole Lemay, Skye McKennon, Jennifer Scruggs and Todd Wilson. Jaelyn Williams will share a family experience, and Amran Osman of Generational Noor will focus on changing the narrative regarding substance use, mental health, and resources needed within the immigrant and BIPOC communities, to include removing the shame often associated with a recovery journey.

The event will conclude with Catherine Ryder, the executive director of Tri-County Mental Health, sharing a mother’s perspective of losing a child to substance use disorder.

Musical performances will be provided by guitarist/soloist Paul Beiaster and Crosstones, a Bates College student acapella group.

Information and resources from several organizations will be available during the event. In addition, Narcan will be provided on site, as well as instructional use provided by Megan Parks, senior clinician of Behavioral Health at St. Mary’s Healthcare System, both free of charge. The Red Cross will also provide free first aid kits.

Pathway Vineyard Church will provide free bag lunches, and Recovery Connections of Maine will barbecue free hot dogs and hamburgers. Free water donated from Poland Spring and free drinks/treats from Starbucks, Italian Bakery, and an Angel’s Wing will also be available.

For more information, call Perham-Whittier at 207-513-3000, ext. 3205.

 

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