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By Angela Cutrer

Star Correspondent

For the third year in a row, the Carter County Drug Prevention plans to host a local International Overdose Awareness Day event to inform the public on how overdosing can happen to any family anywhere.

“We want the public to be involved in this event to bring awareness on how overdoses affect us all,” said Tia Hughes, executive director. “Parents, grandparents, siblings and children can overdose from medication use – it’s not something that needs to be hidden. We want to go against the stigma in order to create a community where we can all support each other.”

Hughes said the Aug. 30 event, set for 6 to 8 p.m. at Covered Bridge Park, is meant to educate others – as well as uplift anyone who has dealt with the pain of a loved one overdosing. “Our goal is to bring awareness to this dreadful thing that can happen to anyone,” Hughes added.

“A young person at a party might take something he thought was a pain reliever and overdose from the drug that had been laced with something else. A parent could have the same thing happen.

“We want to ensure that none of [these survivors] feel alone. We want to help others understand that no one walks alone in their grief.”

The event also plans to highlight what the Carter County Drug Prevention group does to educate and support the community regarding overdoses.

Kids will be able to enjoy mood-uplifting games while grownups enjoy the food trucks. There will also be bouncy houses, community art projects, free food and ice cream, info from vendors and resources, live music and a community vigil.

“Join us for an evening of gathering with family and friends,” Hughes said. “We want to make sure everyone knows there should be no shame in having a loved one die from an overdose.”