Resource fair to connect drug addicts with help
Published 12:20 am Monday, March 6, 2017
In an effort to bring together those who need help fighting drug addiction with those able to provide help, Families Into Getting Help Together (FIGHT) is hosting a substance abuse resource fair on Tuesday, March 14.
“It’s hard to get an addict to want the help, but (it’s) even worse when you get them to that point and there’s nowhere to go,” said Toni Ward, director of FIGHT. “Not only do the addicts need help but the family members and loved ones do too, and they don’t know where to turn.”
From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Danville Church of God on South Fourth Street, anyone will be able to get the information they seek.
“Whether it is rehab facilities, support groups, insurance questions … we’re getting them together in one place,” Ward said.
There will be representatives for more than 34 insurance companies, rehab facilities and other organizations attending the event.
“It shows me that when it comes to this epidemic, there are so many people who want to help,” she said. “We want to make sure we are reaching out to everyone we possibly can.”
Vendors will include the Boyle County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (ASAP), The Ridge, Liberty Ranch, the Boyle County Health Department, Hope Network, the Boyle County Detention Center and more.
“People can come and visit each vendor, get information, speak with representatives — but the best part is if someone doesn’t feel comfortable enough to speak to someone around others, there are rooms available where they can do so privately,” Ward said. “I think the biggest part of the problem that we have with addiction is the stigma around it.”
Along with the resources that will be available, there will also be a number of free naloxone kits available (naloxone can be given to someone overdosing on opioids to reverse the effect of the overdose) and an overdose response training provided by Voices of Hope from Lexington. There will also be door prizes and activities for kids.
“We have spent lots of time putting this event together and reaching out to local facilities and if someone has questions about help for themselves or a loved one, please come out,” Ward said. “There are so many resources and we want to help save someone’s life.”
This event, Ward said, also shows how the community cares.
“We’re all coming together, along with all these dedicated individuals, to let others know that we are here to help, we care and we do not judge,” she said. “Addiction can affect anyone.”
IF YOU GO
The FIGHT substance abuse resource fair will be 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 at Danville Church of God, 516 S. Fourth St.