Special event honoring National Overdose Awareness Day

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A special event was held in Yuma on Saturday in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day.

The community has gathered for a day of remembrance, but also of education.

The organizer says speaking on issues surrounding overdose can often be uncomfortable.

Mayra Valdovinos, a Syringe Service Specialist at Sonoran Prevention Works, says "Our main goal is to create the proper space for families or anyone who has lost someone really close due to an overdose to come out and be able to grieve loudly, mainly without judgment and without stigma."

Many of those in attendance could be seen wearing tributes to their loved ones. For many, this was a time to feel connected.

"Just be loud...Be loud and be proud of your loved ones, and remember in the community that they're also human beings and that's what is important," says Valdovinos.

The event is hosted by Sonoran Prevention Works, an Arizona-based non-profit specializing in harm reduction. They share how their role in the battle against overdose.

"We're the main Naloxone distributors in the state of Arizona and I say that very proudly...We have been able to reduce overdoses daily…I do training every day," Valdovinos shares.

She shares how we can join the battle: "If you can, carry the Narcan, carry the Naloxone. Learn how to do the appropriate techniques that it takes to administer the Naloxone. I just make sure that the people, they're fully aware of how to use it because what's the whole point."

After a one-mile walk, there was a candlelight vigil.

A local woman, Makayla Dobrowski, who lost her partner due to an overdose shares how the event went for her: "It was very, very healing...Good to be around people that have been through the same pain. I'm just thankful for [Saturday night] and the people that put it on."

The organizers say they plan to continue spreading awareness and removing the stigma regarding overdose.