The DeKalb County Prevention Coalition sponsored a glowstick vigil last Thursday evening at the DeKalb County Courthouse, showing support those suffering with substance abuse addiction, as well as remembering those who have lost their fight.
“This is overdose prevention month and the Coalition, Recovery Court, and citizens of the community wanted to have an event to celebrate the lives of those who have survived an overdose and to remember loved ones and community members we have lost due to overdose,” said Jennifer Matthews, Director of the DeKalb County Prevention Coalition.
“We hosted a glowstick vigil and used purple glowsticks because that is the color for overdose awareness. Everyone who attended tonight who had lost a loved one due to an overdose held a glowstick and broke it in remembrance of their loved ones. We also prepared a Blessing Banner which has pictures of people we have lost in our community due to an overdose and we will display that banner on the wall in the county complex for all to see and they can also sign the banner or leave a message of hope.”
The event featured training on how to administer naloxone, a life-saving drug that can revive someone who has overdosed. The training was presented by Suzanne Angel and Colby Lane, Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists for the State of Tennessee.
Seth Willoughby was the entertainment for the event, while Lydia Price and Justin Cantrell spoke during the program. Price talked about her road to recovery from addiction.
“I started drinking which led to harder drugs,” Price said. “It really took hold of my life. At age 26 I had a beautiful little boy but due to my addiction DCS became involved. I couldn’t stay clean at that time. I was in and out of treatment. Ultimately I went to court after being nine months sober but due to my past and having been in court so much they terminated my (parental) rights. I know God played a part in all of it because that is what it took for me to get clean.”
“Living in addiction is such a dark place. I lost my family and my home. I was walking to work and riding a bike. It was a hard life. At the time I didn’t realize it but since getting clean, I have my family back and a lot of support. I have been blessed with an amazing job and I have an amazing fiancé. I am thankful for my life today. After losing my son I was afraid that God would never bless me with a family and I had come to terms with that as much as it hurt me. I couldn’t forgive myself. In 2015 before my rights were terminated, I attempted suicide. I woke up in ICU a couple of days later. It helped me get clean. I had to do a lot of therapy to work through that but that’s okay. If you are suffering ask for help. In January, 2020 I was blessed with a beautiful baby girl. God’s promises ring true. I never thought I would have a family but I do. It’s not always easy but God will make a way. I am so thankful for my life today,” said Price.
Cantrell, also a recovering drug addict, said that his life has completely changed since becoming clean and sober. “I grew up in a broken home. Both of my parents were drug addicts. I grew up angry and displeased about everything. I never felt good enough in school and never thought I would be a part of anything but I thank God for my grandparents. They really stepped in and helped me throughout my life. I took a hard road to get where I am today. I thank God for the 12 steps of recovery which allowed me to be here today. Without it I would have no peace in my life. That is what brought me to the understanding of my higher power, which is Jesus Christ. Once I started believing in myself my whole life changed and I started setting goals.. My life has completely changed. I give all the glory to God.”
Purple balloons were released at the end of the ceremony, with a moment of silence held while lifting their purple glowsticks in honor of overdose victims and survivors.
