OGDEN, UT – The public is invited to join in Ogden’s annual observance of International Overdose Awareness Day, Aug. 31 at the USU Botanical Garden, 1750 Monroe Blvd. beginning at 7 p.m. with a moment of silence at 9 p.m.
New this year, is a new garden feature called the Path of Hope, a quiet gathering spot where members of the community can gather and remember and resolve to help protect those whose lives have been impacted by overdose.
“We wanted to focus on three pillars,” says Bryce Sherwood of Weber-Morgan Health Department, “hope for those struggling, recovery for those seeking healing, and remembrance for those we have lost. This key message is reflected in the design of the space.”
The evening is a free community event presented in partnership with the Substance Use Prevention and Emergency Response Coalition (SUPER). This network of local agencies, individuals and organizations work together to improve education and awareness of and reduce the toll of substance use and misuse in the community. During the event, nine Ogden-area residents will be recognized as a #PurpleChampion in our community.
A #PurpleChampion is an individual who strives to keep the community safe from overdose. Created in partnership with Weber State University’s communications students, the #PurpleChampion social media campaign aims to spread awareness, reduce stigma, and improve education on substance use disorders and overdose risk. Purple, representing the color of overdose awareness, is synonymous with Ogden and helps to illustrate this nationwide issue affecting our communities. The Path of Hope Garden wouldn’t be possible without the work of community sponsors and donors, including Utah State University Extension for providing the space, Weber Human Services for funding renovations, and Boman Kemp for donating materials, including the purple ribbons flanking the entrance to the garden.
Weber County has the third highest death rate due to drug overdose in Utah, according to the CDC. See the “Weber-Morgan Health Department’s Community Health Assessment: Opioid Report” which also notes that the number of deaths declined slightly from 2018 to 2019, the most recent statistics available, and that the number of prescriptions dispensed in Weber County decreased by 40 percent from 2016 to 2021.
“Every person battling addiction deserves compassion, support, and the knowledge that recovery is possible,” says Patrick Cox of Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA), “We hope people will take this opportunity to participate in celebrating this new space, learning more about naloxone, sharing a memory on the memorial wall, and listening to our guest speakers share how their lives have been impacted by opioids.”
The event is co-presented by USARA, USU Extension, Weber Human Services and the Weber-Morgan Health Department.
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CONTACT: Lori Buttars
Public Information Officer
801-399-7114
lbuttars@co.weber.ut.us