A memorial event to honor victims of overdose will take place on Friday, August 30th, at 9 AM at the pond outside the Broomfield Library. The event aims to provide a space for community members to share stories and remember those lost to overdose. Attendees will participate in a memorial walk around the pond, and Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, will be available for distribution. Refreshments will also be provided, and all community members are encouraged to attend.
The event coincides with the International Day of Overdose Awareness, themed \"Together We Can,\" which emphasizes the importance of community solidarity in addressing substance use issues. Flyers promoting the event were distributed during the meeting, and further information can be found on the city’s website.
Council members expressed their support for the event, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in combating rising rates of substance use among teens. Council member Wynne praised the youth advocates for their commitment to positive change, while Council member Cohen raised questions about the availability of Narcan in schools. Laura Paulson from the public health department clarified that while recent legislation allows students to carry Narcan, its distribution is ultimately determined by individual school districts. Currently, schools have Narcan for emergency use only, with trained staff available to administer it.
Public comments during the meeting reflected personal experiences with overdose, underscoring the event's significance in fostering community awareness and support. The meeting concluded with a call for continued engagement and education on overdose prevention.