PIKE COUNTY, Ohio– August 31 will be an “Evening of Hope and Healing.” The Pike County Overdose Response Team will be hosting an event, Tuesday, August 31, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Canal Park in Waverly. Brandi Hawthorne, committee chairperson for P.O.R.T. said in a press release:


“We want to bring awareness that those who are struggling with substance abuse shouldn’t be afraid to seek help and support in their situation, and how easily an overdose can happen when you’re battling drug addiction.

This event is to help provide healing to those who have lost someone that overdosed and provide hope and support to those who are potentially at risk of experiencing an overdose. The PORT team is very grateful to play a small role in bringing this event to the community.”

Officials from the Transitions Program, Pike County Drug Abuse Prevention, Reentry Coalition, Pike County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Pike County Project DAWN, Thrive, Brightview Rehabilitation Center, The Recovery Council, and Paint Valley ADAMH will be available to talk with those attending should they have any questions.

The event will also hold a candlelight vigil in memory of those who lost their lives to addiction.

Jay Salley is the news editor for the Guardian.