In conjunction with International Overdose Awareness Day, Lloydminster residents gathered to remember those lost to overdose.
The gathering took place on Aug. 31 at the corner of 49 St. and 51 Ave., also known as Pocket Park, with a vigil and speeches starting at 1 p.m.
The day was spearheaded by Residents in Recovery executive director, Tyler Lorenz, as a way to kick off Recovery Week activities.
“Overdose, particularly from opioids, is an epidemic throughout the world, not just here,” said Lorenz during opening remarks. “A total of 22 people will overdose in Canada today, and every other day this year, and those numbers have continued to rise.”
“We’ll remember those we’ve lost or are still fighting the disease of addiction today.”
Guest speakers included MLA Garth Rowswell, Coun. Loree Marin on behalf of the City of Lloydminster, as well as several individuals personally affected by overdose.
The message portrayed by all former addicts on Saturday was simple “I can’t see myself going back. It’s a whole new life I wanted for a long, long time.”
Realities of an overdose
Those were the words of Valeen, a mother currently celebrating 18 months of sobriety. Her past includes roughly 35 overdoses, and after the journey she’s had, she’s grateful for Residents in Recovery.
“Thanks to the help of Residents in Recovery, I now have all my children in my life and take care of my nephew and things are going really well,” said Valeen, noting she lost her sister to overdose one year ago to the day.
“I lost my mom to addiction, too. I found her that morning in the bathroom, and Tyler was there for me. He’s always been there for me.”
Kevin, who struggled with addiction for 20-plus years, was another speaker on Saturday. Kevin also expressed his gratitude for the work of Residents in Recovery after a long journey to recovery.
“I stand here today, not just as someone who’s lived through this experience, but as a witness to the profound impact addiction and overdose have on individuals, on families, and on communities,” he said.
For Kevin, overdose hits close to home.
“One of the most painful moments in my life was losing my brother to a fentanyl overdose a decade ago,” he said. “Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s incredibly potent. Its presence in our communities has only exacerbated the crisis of overdose deaths.”
Kevin commended the community for its efforts and touched on the need to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use today.
“Safety is not the absence of threat, it’s the presence of connection. When people are isolated their vulnerability increases, when people are connected, they’re safer,” he said.
“This is why it’s crucial for us to break down the barriers of stigma and reach out to those who are struggling.”
Come show your support
Recovery Week wraps up this Saturday with a free pancake breakfast at Residents in Recovery starting at 11 a.m. Speakers start at 12:30 p.m.
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