‘Stop the Stigma St. Augustine’ event part of Overdose Awareness Day

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The St. Johns County Poly-Drug Task Force is hosting a community event called “Stop the Stigma St. Augustine” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 28, in front of St. Augustine City Hall at 75 King Street. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the stigma associated with substance use, and to remember loved ones lost to overdose deaths. This event is being held as part of International Overdose Awareness Day, which is held globally every year on or near Aug. 31. There were more than 800 events held worldwide last year, and more than 500 events held in the United States. This is the first time an event of this kind will be held in St. Augustine or St. Johns County.

The gathering will highlight guest speakers and community resources, host a prescription medication drop-off point, provide Narcan training and host a candlelight remembrance ceremony. There will be discussions on the ways stigma impacts prevention, treatment, recovery, and support, as well as opportunities to speak to community organization representatives.

“We want to offer anyone touched by addiction a gathering where they will not be judged or feel isolated,” said Robert Chupella, cochair of the task force. “Stigma often prevents people from getting the help they need setting the stage for death by overdose. The task force is focused on helping to change the language which contributes to the stigma of substance use.”

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, “Addiction is a chronic brain disorder not merely a behavioral problem or simply the result of wrong choices.”

The task force invites everyone to get involved in Stop the Stigma St. Augustine. Family members and friends are invited to email photos of loved ones to letsremember2019@gmail.com for a digital memorial. This is an opportunity for county residents to come together and help achieve change.

The St. Johns County Poly-Drug task force is providing community-wide efforts to address the opioid crisis and other related substance use issues. Monthly meetings are open to anyone interested, and are held at the St. Johns County Health and Human Services building at 9 a.m. every third Wednesday.

For more information, email Robert Chupella at drbob540@hotmail.com or bomar540@hotmail.com.