Walden Raises Awareness of Drug Overdoses

In early September, Walden invited members of the community to participate in International Overdose Awareness Day by walking a complicated maze, encouraging inner reflection and peace. The event, held at Beacon of Hope, was attended by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office as well as members of the community.

Many of the participants were individuals in recovery themselves, as well as families who have had to endure the grief of losing a child, or those who want to support their friends in recovery. Before they entered the labyrinth walk, each person was told the intent of the walk – finding peace within themselves as they navigated the maze.

“While the winds from Hermine prevented us from using the luminary bags the way they were intended, we were still able to use the labyrinth pattern onto the sidewalk, with the unlit bags to help as guides in a healing way,” said Laura Webb of Walden.

Observed each year on Aug. 31, International Overdose Awareness Day is meant to bring about awareness of this terrible issue and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths for the surviving family members. The day is also a way to acknowledge the incredible grief and pain endured by families and friends who lose their loved ones to death, or who stand by them after permanent injury as a result of a drug overdose. The idea is to spread the message that overdose death can be prevented.

Capt. Daniel Alioto, commander in the vice-narcotics division at the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, was thankful for the special invitation to attend the event.

“We are grateful that individuals in our community affected by addiction have an outlet such as Walden Sierra. We are also inspired by the citizens of this community who realize that policing is not always about prosecution, it is also about serving the citizens with compassion,” Capt. Alioto said.

For more information on Walden services, visit the organization’s website or call the hotline at 301-863-6661.

For more information about Walden Behavioral Health, visit their Leader member page.