By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
Every month there are special days designated for one thing or another and the final day of August has been set aside as well. Although not many may realize today is International Overdose Awareness Day, one group does and is doing what it can – not just to raise awareness about the day, but about the need for funds for treating those addicted before they become another statistic.
Sarah Carman of Nevada represents the group Ohio Can Change Addition Now and shares why they are holding a rally this evening on the steps of the Crawford County Courthouse.
“Because Ohio Can Change Addiction Now is all about getting treatment and getting better by whatever means works,” Carman said. “Ohio is not on the list to get extra funding for treatment so we really all need to pull together so our voices can be heard.”
Carman said she made up her mind while working in Baltimore to get personally involved in helping other people and their families affected by opiates and other drugs.
“My boss lost her son to a heroin overdose,” Carman said. “That’s what Ohio Can is all about, education, awareness of the problem erase the stigma.”
Speakers include Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold and Tony Grotian from Hancock County. The rally is from 6 to 8 p.m.
“We’re going to have a shoe memorial,” Carman said. “Bring a pair of shoes from someone you lost.”
Carman is particularly concerned that Ohio was not included when the federal government release the list of states who would receive additional funds for addiction treatment. She said Ohio Can Change Addiction Now wants to give families a voice.
Jodi Demo-Hodgins of the local ADAMH board and Bucyrus Police Chief David Koepke have also been invited to speak at the rally.