Wellness Fair Targeting Opioid Scourge Set for May 17

More than 30 organizations will be participating in a community resource fair at LakePoint to raise awareness of what’s available locally to help combat the opioid epidemic.

The free, family friendly event is hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District.

Spring Into Wellness: An Opioid Prevention and Recovery Community Resource Fair is set for Tuesday, May 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Champions Center at LakePoint Sports, 261 Stars Way, Cartersville. Anyone wishing to attend may register online at ShortUrl.at/gmJS4 but registration is not required.

“Opioid overdose deaths are preventable,” said Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the 10-county Northwest Health District, “and the best way to prevent them is to continue to improve opioid prescribing to reduce exposure to opioids, prevent abuse, and stop addiction. Resources at this community event can help accomplish this.”

Concerns about Bartow County’s age-adjusted opioid death rate of 29.9 — compared to just 18.6 for the state of Georgia — led the organizers to prioritize this public gathering of stakeholders and concerned citizens.

A recent nationwide increase in illicit fentanyl exposures in children younger than 6 also is cause for alarm.

Organizers have several goals: To increase community awareness of and access to prevention and recovery resources; to share inspirational stories from local people who have overcome opioid-misuse disorder; and to learn about fentanyl overdose-prevention strategies for youth and families.

The event will feature interactive and educational exhibits, entertainment and swag bags for kids as well as resources focused on substance abuse prevention and family well-being.