The Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition marked Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31 with a roadside memorial honoring people who have died from overdose.
The coalition also hosted an event at its new Bassett location to raise awareness and connect people with resources.
“Specifically today we take time to honor those who have lost their lives to overdose,” said Ariel Johnson, director of operations.
Johnson said the memorial has prompted families who have lost loved ones to share their stories and photos.
“I think what I’ve seen a lot of is, I’ve had families send me pictures of their loved one so we could enter them on the roadside memorial,” Johnson said.
She said the memorial gives families an opportunity to talk about their loved ones without shame or judgment. Johnson hopes to keep the roadside memorial in place through September.
Johnson also encouraged people in need of assistance to contact the coalition, regardless of whether they live in Henry County or a neighboring locality.
“We just try to not focus on the loss but remember the people who are still here and who are struggling,” Johnson said.
The Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition is located at 2611 Riverside Drive in Bassett and can be reached at 540-541-2022.
