Spokane Valley Hosts Overdose Awareness Event

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  Spokane Regional Health District is hosting a free community event called Healing Hands, Creative Hearts“Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) invites community members of all ages to attend Healing Hands, Creative Hearts, a free event on Saturday, Aug. 29, that brings together art, music, conversation and local resources to strengthen community and recognize the impact of overdose deaths in the Spokane region.”
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  The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29“The event will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Central Spokane Library, 906 W. Main Ave.”
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  The event is taking place at the Central Spokane Library“The event will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Central Spokane Library, 906 W. Main Ave.”
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  The event aims to address the rising overdose death rate in Spokane County“The 2024-2025 Spokane County Community Health Needs Assessment reported that the number and rate of overdose deaths in Spokane County increased from 77 (14.8 deaths for every 100,000 people) in 2018 to 233 (42.3 deaths for every 100,000 people) in 2023. The report named “reducing substance abuse” as one of the top three health priorities in Spokane County. With events like Healing Hands, Creative Hearts, SRHD hopes to recognize the people these numbers represent and share resources and hope.”
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  The overdose death rate in Spokane County increased from 77 deaths in 2018 to 233 in 2023“The 2024-2025 Spokane County Community Health Needs Assessment reported that the number and rate of overdose deaths in Spokane County increased from 77 (14.8 deaths for every 100,000 people) in 2018 to 233 (42.3 deaths for every 100,000 people) in 2023.”
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  The data is from the 2024-2025 Community Health Needs Assessment“The 2024-2025 Spokane County Community Health Needs Assessment reported that the number and rate of overdose deaths in Spokane County increased from 77 (14.8 deaths for every 100,000 people) in 2018 to 233 (42.3 deaths for every 100,000 people) in 2023.”
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  Amanda Dugger is the SRHD overdose prevention coordinator““As somebody who has lost loved ones to overdose, I wanted to find a way people can gather to heal,” said Amanda Dugger, SRHD overdose and substance misuse prevention program coordinator.”
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  Amanda Dugger stated the event seeks to 'remind people they are not alone'““As somebody who has lost loved ones to overdose, I wanted to find a way people can gather to heal,” said Amanda Dugger, SRHD overdose and substance misuse prevention program coordinator. “Conversation and creativity are ways to remind people they are not alone; there is support on their journey of recovery and healing, and their support for others is valued.””
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  The event provides support resources“Activities at the event will include a resource fair, live performers and fun activities.”
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  Attendees can participate in a resource fair“Activities at the event will include a resource fair, live performers and fun activities.”
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  Speakers at the event include Gabriel’s Challenge CEO Kitara Johnson-Jones“Attendees can listen to a panel of guest speakers including Gabriel’s Challenge CEO Kitara Johnson-Jones, BEAR Foundation Founder Brenton Sconce, and community members with lived experience.”
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  Attendees can create memorial lanterns“There will also be a chance to make memorial lanterns to honor loved ones.”
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  The memorial lanterns will be displayed on Overdose Awareness Day“These will be displayed at the Central Spokane Library on Overdose Awareness Day, Aug. 31.”
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  Overdose Awareness Day is on Aug. 31“These will be displayed at the Central Spokane Library on Overdose Awareness Day, Aug. 31.”