For International Overdose Day, panel and vigil at Carrier Park
Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller was among those on the panel. Organizers say the goal is to raise awareness in the fight against drugs, and to honor those lost. Photo credit: WLOS staff
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Bringing people together to remember loved ones lost to drug overdose: Saturday marks International Overdose Awareness Day.
Nonprofit groups like SeekHealing co-hosted it this year at Asheville's Carrier Park.
There was a panel discussion, community meal, live music, and testimonials from survivors and family members.
Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller was among those on the panel.
Organizers say the goal is to raise awareness and to honor those lost.
"The opposite of addiction is connection," said event coordinator Jonathan Marbois-Segall. "The only way we can heal this issue in our society, the only way we can do anything about is to reconnect to ourselves, to love ourselves and make meaningful connections with other people."
There was also a candlelight vigil Saturday, in which people read the names of people who've died from a drug overdose.
