Decatur event connects people with addiction recovery resources

Crawford was one of approximately 100 visitors attending this year’s Overdose Awareness Event on Monday at Fairview Park.

“I’ve experienced a lot, but it helps me to help other people,” Crawford said.

International Overdose Awareness Day is held around the globe on Aug. 31. Community members, as well as family, survivors and representatives from addiction and recovery programs, gathered at Fairview Park to recognize the day.

“Events like this are really important for people that come together and hear recovery stories, and honoring those we’ve lost in our lives,” said Mary Garrison, Heritage Behavioral Health Center president. “It’s a safe space.”

Crawford, 61, was one of the people ready to tell his story. After his wife died years ago, he found himself in the same situation as many struggling with addiction. “I’m back now,” he said. “Seven years clean.”

Crawford doesn’t blame his life situation on the abuse. “I just got addicted to her pain killers,” he said. “I did my best to keep it together for a little bit, but I just went down a path.”

After two overdoses and a life-threatening beating during a robbery, Crawford credits God for helping him get out of the addiction. “God kept me here for some odd reason,” he said. “I had to put in the work, and I had to prove that I was a changed man.”

According to Garrison, four years ago, before the event was held in Decatur, the number of overdoses were significantly high. “As a provider of supportive services, we wanted to be a part of the fight to try to reduce that,” she said.

Educating the community was important to lowering the numbers, Garrison said.

Narcan has been credited with reducing the number of overdose deaths in the nation, according to the mental health professionals. “We also want to reduce the stigma,” Garrison said. “This is an addiction. We are really trying to take away the blame. It can impact all of us.”

The event was sponsored by Heritage Behavioral Health Center and the Macon County Mental Health Board. Free ice cream, raffles and entertainment were offered to the visitors. Other agencies that joined in the event included the Macon County Health Department, Growing Strong, Phoenix Center and Oxford House.

Danielle Kelley, Oxford House outreach coordinator, introduced the housing program to several of those attending the event. “It’s recovery housing,” she said. “We just give you a safe, supportive environment to recover in.”

More than 4,000 Oxford House homes are located throughout the country. In Illinois, approximately 140 houses hold an average of nine individuals. Although basic supplies are provided, the person will need to help with chores as well as rent. They will also have to find their own recovery programs and sponsors. “But they use the buddy system so no one has to do it alone,” Kelley said.

Within the first hour of the event, Kelley and the staff scheduled three interviews for potential residents.

Crawford attends several recovery programs held locally. “Whatever means you go in to stay clean, that’s what I’m for,” he said.

Decatur’s Overdose Awareness Event also was helpful for those in recovery, Crawford said. “It helps me just coming here, listening to everyone else’s stories,” he said. “If somebody has an issue, they’re in the right place.”