Commissioners approve courthouse yard use for Overdose Awareness event on Sept. 26

Representatives from Community Pathways and affiliated nonprofits asked the commissioners for permission to use the courthouse yard for an Overdose Awareness Month event aimed at reducing stigma and connecting residents to recovery resources.

Organizers described their plan for vendor booths, resource tables, speakers and musical performers and said they had received a street-approval letter from the mayor for side streets. The proposed date is Saturday, Sept. 26, from 2 to 6 p.m.; organizers said they were not asking for direct funding but sought official approval and county cooperation.

Commissioners voted to approve use of the courthouse yard and asked organizers to obtain liability insurance, coordinate with the farmers market for porta-potties and ensure cleanup. The county will monitor coordination and event logistics with the organizers.

Organizers said they had vendor registration forms out and planned fundraising and grant support for some costs; commissioners thanked them for the proposal and granted approval contingent on the usual event requirements.