MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — In 2023 alone, more than 1,400 Wisconsinites died as a result of an overdose.
It’s a number that everyone would like to see decrease, and an organization in Marinette is hoping to play a part in reversing the trend.
“All of these names that are on these signs, those are someone’s loved ones, so it’s important that we reduce stigma and show that recovery is possible,” says Meghan Rutherford, referencing the dozens of white signs with names and photos of community members on them. They line the road next to Stephenson Island Park in Marinette.
Those loved ones were lost to addiction or overdoses.
Rutherford works for Biehl Bridges to Recovery in Marinette, an organization supporting those overcoming addiction. They offer recovery coaches, certified peer supporters, case managers and educational courses for people in the community and those transitioning out of jail.
For the fourth year, the organization is gathering in the park ahead of National Overdose Awareness Day, honoring those lost.
“It gives people the chance to talk about their loved ones, to remember their loved ones, to share their story, to share that they were more than the addiction, they were more than the drugs,” says Jenna McMahon.
McMahon is sharing her own story, too. She’s now three years sober.
“I recently lost my kids’ dad to a fentanyl overdose,” she says. “I was in active addiction for 12 years. It just has affected my family and people around me tremendously, and I just think it’s really important to start talking about it, and if that’s coming out and telling my story, then that’s what I’m going to do.”
Although it’s not easy, she hopes her story will help educate, spread awareness and let others know they aren’t alone.
“I don’t regret anything I went through because it took me here today, and I’m able to be a voice for people and spread hope to people,” she adds.
McMahon and Rutherford say that de-stigmatizing the topics of drugs and alcohol and overdose addiction is the first step in preventing it.
“I think we just need to be open and honest, and we need to not be afraid,” Rutherford says. “People who are in recovery should be proud of that, and they should be as open as they can. I know for some people that’s very private, and that’s okay too, but the more we normalize it and humanize it, the less stigmatizing it will be.”
Both women agree that it’s never too early to start educating children on the topic of addiction and overdose, either. While those conversations can be difficult, they can also be preventative and life-saving.
Thursday’s vigil is just part of how community groups like Biehl Bridges are raising awareness and educating people about overdose deaths. The group will host an Overdose Awareness Community Day at the Stephenson Island park Friday, too.
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., resource booths, bouncy houses, dunk tanks and food trucks will be available to all members of the community. More information about the event can be found on the organization’s Facebook page.
Here’s a list of resources in Northeast Wisconsin for those who may be struggling with addiction:
Comments