TULSA, OK – [September 24, 2015] – The second annual Overdose Awareness Memorial Walk and candlelight vigil is being held from 7 to 9 p.m. on September 25 at Centennial Park Central, 1028 East 6th Street.
The event is being held to remember those who have died from drug overdoses, those who are in recovery, and those who are struggling with substance abuse. Family and friends will have the opportunity to write messages and stories on the memory wall.
Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan will give the opening remarks to welcome everyone. The event is open to the public and free to attend, and free t-shirts will be provided to attendees while supplies last.
“The purpose of this memorial walk and candlelight vigil is to remember our friends and loved ones,” said Marianne Long, Tulsa Health Department program manager. “We want people to know that there is help for those who struggle with addiction and for their family members who feel like there is nowhere to turn. There is hope.”
Speakers for the evening include Brad Coates, a former pastor and chaplain with seven years of experience counseling many individuals who struggled with addiction. He also has the tragic, firsthand experience of the death of a family member due to prescription drug overdose.
Prescription drug abuse and overdose is a serious problem in Tulsa County. Keep your old medications from falling into the wrong hands by bringing them to a special Prescription Drug Take-Back event at three convenient locations on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The take-back events are being held at the Reasor’s located at 71st & Sheridan, Reasor’s located at 41st & Yale, and the Save-A-Lot at Pine & Lewis. Everyone is encouraged to empty medicine cabinets, bedside tables, and kitchen drawers of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription drugs and bring them to the event for safe disposal. This service is free and anonymous. No syringes, inhalers or liquids will be accepted.
These events are hosted by the Coalition Against Prescription and Substance Abuse of Tulsa (CAPSAT) and the Tulsa Health Department’s Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) program.
Coalition Against Prescription and Substance Abuse of Tulsa
CAPSAT brings together diverse organization, stakeholders and individuals to advocate for changes in policies, systems and environments for the prevention of substance abuse. The coalition works to prevent non-medical prescription drug and opioid abuse through education, training, treatment, research, and enforcement.
Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS)
The Tulsa Health Department’s Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) program supports an array of activities that build a solid foundation for delivering and sustaining effective substance abuse and/or mental health services. This grant-funded program works to prevent the onset and reduce the progression of the non-medical use of prescription drugs in ages 12-25, reduce substance abuse related problems in communities, and build prevention capacity and infrastructure at the state, tribal and community levels. The program is funded by Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.
