Truth Pharm to host Trail of Truth for International Overdose Awareness Day
(Binghamton, NY) In observance of International Overdose Awareness Day, Truth Pharm is hosting our 4th annual Trail of Truth Memorial March on Saturday, August 24, 2019. While we saw a decrease in the total number of lives lost in 2018, we have seen a rise in the number of hospital visits and Naloxone overdose reversals which tells us that sadly, this problem is far from over. In early 2019, Broome County also experienced an overdose surge which lead to a State of Emergency being declared. We are still losing far too many lives.
Please join us on our Trail of Truth Memorial March as we memorialize over 130 loved ones who have lost their lives due to substance use related causes in the Southern Tier. There will be gifts given to children who have lost a parent to substance use related causes. We will also be giving a gift to overdose survivors. We are excited to announce that we have incredible and world renowned guest speakers this year including: Kassandra Frederique, the New York State Director of Drug Policy Alliance, Nan Goldin famous photographer and opioid activist and LA Kauffman author and activist.
We will meet at The Martin Luther King Jr. Peacemaker’s Stage (7 Court Street Binghamton, NY) and conclude in front of the Government Plaza on Hawley Street.
This is the timeline for the event:
2:00pm Family memorial cemetery which illustrates the impact of the epidemic by showcasing loved ones we have lost.
2:30pm, 3:00pm and 3:30pm – Free Overdose Reversal Training with Narcan kits available.
2:00-4:00pm Organizations on-hand to provide information about their work, activities and tshirt sales
3:35pm Press Interviews
4:00pm Announcements, speakers and musical performers
5:30pm Memorial march to the Governmental Plaza
6:15pm Live Performance art by families who have lost loved ones in front of the Governmental Plaza on Hawley Street accompanied by drummers
6:45pm Roses given to family members
We ask that attendees wear black and feel free to bring memory or angel rocks to share.
As a community nonprofit, Truth Pharm believes in planting the seeds of love and understanding to fight this opioid epidemic. This is accomplished by eliminating stigma around recovery and addiction; serving our community with free overdose reversal trainings; and an outreach of support from our Rainmakers and Board Members.
Please note, August 25th is reserved as a rain date.