Resource fair held in downtown Pittsburgh for International Overdose Awareness Day
Local leaders, community members and resource groups came together on Wednesday in downtown Pittsburgh for International Overdose Awareness Day.
The Allegheny County Health Department along with the city of Pittsburgh held a resource fair at the city county building to honor those who have died by overdose and thank those who save lives.
Mayor Ed Gainey highlighted the toll of overdoses on families and communities.
“In 2021, Allegheny County lost 719 lives by overdoses, that’s almost two people we lost a day. These were our neighbors, our loved ones, they deserve support, live long life and feel they have access to opportunity for healing, Unfortunately, they are no longer here,” said Mayor Ed Gainey
Last year, overdose deaths in Allegheny County rose to the highest level since they peaked in 2017, mirroring trends in Westmoreland County and Pennsylvania as a whole.
According to Overdose Free PA, Pennsylvania is among the 10 states with the highest opioid use and overdose rates.
Nationwide, one person dies every 19 minutes from unintentional drug overdose.
“It’s a crisis we must acknowledge and care for the people in our community who use drugs so we are losing the precious lives, our loved ones and neighbors,” said Mayor Gainey. “In the city, we are committed to doing everything it takes to save a life.”
At the event, we saw groups that help with prevention, provide resources, as well as connection to care and drug and alcohol treatment, groups like Fellowship Hall.
“I’ve experienced it myself, I’ve lost individuals to overdose and I know if the right resource was available at that time, maybe something would have been different,” said Andrew Herrle with Fellowship Hall.
Even the city skyline is a reminder of the day’s purpose. The Highmark building is lit up in purple to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day.
According to our Trib partners, the Westmoreland drug and alcohol commission is hosting an event today from 4 to 6 p.m. at Twin Lakes Park.
Meanwhile, the Penn-Trafford citizens for drug awareness is holding an event at the Penn Township Municipal Park Complex from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
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