By Leon Georgiou
AROUND 30 people gathered at the Blue Lake Lookout – on John Watson Drive – last Tuesday evening, to hold a vigil marking International Overdose Awareness Day.
Substance Misuse Limestone Coast project officer, Sophie Bourchier, was scheduled to speak at the event but was unable to attend; with Mount Gambier City Council councilor, Sonya Mezinec, speaking on Ms Bourchier’s behalf.
In her address, Councilor Mezinec said there was a need to reduce the stigma associated with drug abuse and remove the “blame and shame” mentality that existed within the community.
“The more people realise the scale of the impact these issues have on the health of people who use, and the guilt and shame their families carry, then we can move to improve the conversations we have around the use of drugs and alcohol,” she said.
“This is why events like this are so important, and International Overdose Awareness Day is a crucial part of moving the conversation onto what and how we can do better in supporting people and their families.”
The vigil ended with a minute’s silence – led by Senior Constable Jade Hill – remembering those who had died from a drug overdose while acknowledging those left behind.
Visit Substance Misuse Limestone Coast – www.smlc.org.au/services – for more information about local drug and alcohol support services.
