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A growing — and changing — world of drug overdose requires new ideas and more resources to fight the problem. A trio of support groups will be on hand Saturday to help with infor-mation and support in a variety of areas when it comes to drugs in the community.
Samantha Barfield, a local pharmacist and a member of the Project Freedom South group with the University of Alabama, will be one of many people on hand for Saturday’s gathering.
“One of our main goals is to bring awareness of the global epidemic of individuals who are dying from drug overdose primarily due to opioids,” Barfield said. “If you are someone who is suffering from a substance use disorder and/or a mental health challenge or you have a loved one who is struggling, we invite you to attend this event.”
Those co-sponsoring the event include Project Freedom, P.E.I.R. and S.A.O.R. (PEIR – People Engaged in Recovery and SAOR – South Alabama Opioid Response).
“The face of overdose is changing as many of the illicit drugs on the street now contain a potent opioid known as fentanyl,” Barfield said. “There are many known cases of individuals young and old with no previous history of substance misuse who have overdosed after only one use, not knowing that fentanyl was a component of the illicit drug being ingested. One dose can kill and fentanyl poisoning is real!”
Barfield said there will be testimonies from individuals who have struggled with substance use disorder and/or mental health challenges who are now on the road to recovery.
“Recovery is real and people do overcome the challenges and obstacles that confront them,” Barfield said. “Our goal is to provide hope to individuals and family members who are directly or indirectly affected by the disease of addiction. Recovery emerges from hope. We will also provide treatment and recovery resources available locally and within our surrounding areas.”
With this week set aside as Red Ribbon Week, Barfield said the timing and partnerships in place for the event are perfect.
“We will be partnering with the East Brewton and Brewton Police Departments to host a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at the Brewton Civic Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” Barfield said. “We will also be giving out Deterra medication disposal kits to dispose of unwanted or old medications in the home that are no longer being used.”
With the growing concerns with drug overdosing, Barfield said some special training and supplies will also be available Saturday.
“Also, during that time we will be providing Narcan training and free Narcan, while supplies last, to individuals in the local and surrounding areas,” Barfield said. “Narcan can reverse a known or suspected opioid overdose emergency for up to 90 minutes. The most important step to take is call 911 so the individual can receive immediate medical attention and be safely monitored to ensure that breathing does not slow or stop.”
Barfield offered a special thanks to those who have supported the organization of this event.
“A special thanks to everyone who has helped make this happen: City of Brewton, East Brewton Police Department, Brewton Police Department, Escambia County Sheriff’s Department, Medical Center Pharmacy, Hope Place, Drug Education Council, SWAMH, Alliance Healthcare, P.E.I.R., S.A.O.R, and VitAL and many others,” Barfield said.
If you represent a treatment/recovery service that would like to participate in this event or for more information, please contact Samantha Barfield at 251-238-7999 or email her at srbarfield@ua.edu.