Since 2017, 42 people have died from drug overdoses in Knox County alone.
This Thursday – which is International Overdose Awareness Day – Bridgeway and West Central Illinois ROSC will hosta candlelight vigil at sunset on the Galesburg public square.
“We want to invite everyone out to honor those people lost to overdose and to gain education about Narcan, which is a life-saving medication,” said Leann Courson, System of Care Coordinator for West Central Illinois ROSC. “We come together to support those families that have lost people to overdose.”
ROSC stands for Recovery-Oriented System of Care. It is a coalition of community agencies, community members, people in recovery, and families of people in recovery that are working together to promote recovery from substance use.
“Whether that’s taking people to treatment, throwing community events, community education, stigma reduction,” Courson said. “We really do everything we can to promote recovery and make sure that substance use disorder is known as a disease – a very treatable disease.”
This is the third year for the overdose awareness vigil in Galesburg. It begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
This year, awareness efforts are being ramped up to honor those lost locally to overdose over the last six years.
“All week, there will be lights and flags and signs out on the Galesburg square,” Courson said. “There will be 42 purple lights, just raising awareness around overdose.”
Overdose awareness and overdose prevention are also key to ROSC’s mission.
Narcan will be handed out at the vigil and training on it will be available.
In addition, two guest speakers who are in recovery will share their experiences about how Narcan saved their lives.
Courson herself has been in recovery since February 2014. Her lived experience drives the passion she has for her work.
“I know what it’s like to struggle with addiction. I know what it’s like to not know how to live life successfully without using drugs and alcohol,” she said. “And then I know what it’s like to go through treatment, and rebuild my life, and get my life back. That’s what I want for other people.”
Courson said West Central Illinois ROSC is there for anyone who is struggling with addition. The organization also is always looking to connect with people who have a passion for promoting recovery.
“Please reach out,” Courson said. “We’re always looking for volunteers and for people to join our council and to join this movement.”
One of the challenges in people in recovery in west central Illinois has been the distance to treatment centers and a lack of sober living facilities in the area.
But progress is being made.
Courson said Oxford House, an eight-bed sober living facility for men, opened in Galesburg in June.
“We’re very lucky to have them in our community. They’re an amazing resource,” Courson said.
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