‘Days of Hope’ Drug Awareness Events Announced
Joselyn King Trending
WHEELING - The public is invited to come take "a walk in their shoes" of those dealing with substance abuse disorder and erase the stigma during a slate of events happening Sept. 16-18.
The Community Impact Coalition and the West Virginia Council of Churches have organized the Eighth Annual "Days of Hope" drug prevention and recovery celebration to highlight the opportunities for drug use prevention, help and counseling that are available in the local community.
This year's theme is "A Walk In Their Shoes." Events begin at 3 p.m. Friday with an interfaith service at St.Mathew's Episcopal Church, 1410 Chapline St., Wheeling. Members of local clergy will offer words of inspiration during the service.
After the service, there will be a walk from the church to Centre Market, where a "honk and wave rally" is set for 4 p.m. Local churches are being asked to participate by having events throughout the weekend.
"The idea is we are choosing a day during the weekend to focus on drug use and misuse, prevention, or initiating and maintaining recovery," said Martha Polinsky, project coordinator with the Community Impact Coalition. "I have been encouraged by all the great things that have happened as a result of these (previous) eight 'Days of Hope,' we have had so much happen across the state."
Many faith-based organizations have participated and reached those needing help and recovery, she continued.
Rabbi Joshua Lief of the Temple Shalom said the reality is that substance abuse disorder affects everyone in society.
"It's not just those struggling with a disorder," he said. "It's not just their friends, family and co-workers, but all of us as a community.
"When our neighbors are sick and in need of healing, it is up to us to remove the stigma that is keeping people from seeking recovery," Lief continued, "and it is up to us to provide the emotional and, in some cases, the financial support to help people find their way to healing. The return on that investment is immeasurable."
Viviene Padilla, a volunteer with the Community Impact Coalition, noted what was once a "day of hope" has now become "days of hope" expanding through the weekend.
"We reach out to all our members of all different faiths and try to get them involved in an aspirational weekend," she explained.
Houses of worship are encouraged to celebrate according to their own traditions, beliefs and missions, Padilla added.