In response to the increasing number of Southern Maryland families impacted by opiate addiction, Walden has organized a special event for August 31st, International Overdose Awareness Day. Walden has teamed up with Farming 4 Hunger to host a screening and discussion of the documentary film the Hungry Heart on 8/31 from 6-8:30 p.m.
The Hungry Heart, directed by Bess O’Brien and produced by Kingdom County Productions, tells the personal stories of a number of opiate addicted young adults while also sharing the stories of others in recovery. The film explores the power of medicine, conversation and compassion in addressing this issue impacting so many American communities. Following the film, Walden staff will facilitate a discussion with the audience on the film and local issues. For more information on the film, please visit thehungryheartmovie.org.
While the film is set in a small Vermont community, it powerfully tells the story of all communities struggling with opiate addiction. Walden’s statistics bear out the presence of opiate addiction in Southern Maryland: in 2014, the Anchor Detox Inpatient Program of Walden served 809 individuals from the Tri-County region. About 51% of all admissions were of opiate addicted persons with the primary group impacted 18-30 year olds. This data represents the highest number of yearly requests for opiate/heroin addiction since Anchor opened in 1999.
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held on August 31st each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. For more information on IOAD, please visit www.overdoseday.com.
“We hope that the Hungry Heart film screening and discussion will be a forum for remembering those lost as well as help those still struggling,” explains Laura Webb, Director of Recovery Support. Silver ribbons to honor those lost to overdose will be distributed at the event.
Admission to this local International Overdose Awareness Day event is free. The Farming 4 Hunger site is located at 6932 Serenity Farm Road in Hughesville. More information is located at www.facebook.com/events/403753273154313/ and at waldensierra.org. Interested community members may also contact Laura Webb at 301-997-1300 x 804 or 301-751-7258. You can also e-mail us at lauraw@waldensierra.org.
