By Jariah Danks, Reporter
New Town, ND – On August 31st, 2020, North Segment’s The Door held a speaking event in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day. The Door members held the event outside on the corner of Main Street and Market Place in New Town. There were tables set up with gift bags containing shirts, key chains, and coffee mugs, which had The Door and the North Segment’s logos on them. There was lunch served as employees and allies of The Door‘s recovery program told their stories on finding recovery to shed light on the ever-growing issue of addiction. The event started at 10:30 am and lasted all day, until 5:00 pm. North Segment’s The Door is an active Safe Haven for recovery. The Door holds activities every day Monday-Friday. Some of the activities found on their calendar include Talking Circle at noon on Wednesdays, Walk/Run Circle at 10 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Reflections & Meditations at 3 pm on Tuesdays, and Wellbreity Book Study at 3 pm on Mondays. The Door has many activities for those needing aftercare and a safe place to go whether your new into your recovery or are in recovery, continuing to heal.
According to Overdoseday.com, Overdose Awareness Day was first recognized in 2001, in Australia by SJ Finn, who managed a needle and syringe program at The Salvation Army Crisis Centre in St Kilda, Victoria. Overdose Awareness Day is observed throughout the world every August 31st. Its purpose is to raise awareness of overdoses and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug overdose remains a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. Overdoses involving prescription and illicit opioids take the lives of 128 people every day. Fort Berthold has been dealing with the ever-growing opioid crises with the number of overdoses rising. Many community members are taking action like the North Segment’s The Door, who are continuously reaching out to help others, whether by assisting people in getting into treatment, lending an ear at a talking circle, or sharing their personal story in front of a live audience.
