Canvassers to distribute information about opioids and recovery services prior to Overdose Awareness Day

FALL RIVER - As a lead-in to Overdose Awareness Day activities, members of the Substance Abuse Task Force of Greater Fall River Partners for a Healthier Community, SSTAR/BOLD Coalition, and the Peer to Peer Program at Steppingstone will conduct an Overdose Awareness Canvas in Fall River neighborhoods on Thursday, Aug. 30, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Canvassers will meet at 3:30 p.m. at the Peer to Peer Program, 175 North Main St.

Anyone concerned about the scourge of opioid epidemic are encouraged to join members of those organizations in delivering a flyer listing available treatment options to neighborhoods in Fall River that have seen high numbers of overdoses.

Mike Bryant, the Director of Peer to Peer, explained “This will be the third year we’ve done this sort of outreach in conjunction with Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. We always get a powerful response. This year we’re canvassing the day before the main event in order to encourage more folks to attend the Vigil the following night. If you’ve been impacted by an overdose among your family or friends please come out.”

Information will be distributed about the availability of Narcan, detox services, outpatient services, family support, and peer recovery. All will be encouraged to attend the Overdoes Awareness Vigil the following evening on Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. at Government Center. Canvassers will leave informational flyers on doorsteps as well as answer any questions people might have about opioids and treatment.