overdose awareness month

Five hundred sixty-one thousand five hundred eighty-eight—over half a million lives lost. A number surpassing even the American casualties of World War II.

Sons. Daughters. Brothers. Sisters. Mothers. Fathers. Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. Chosen family. Friends.

Since 2020, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 561,588 Americans have lost their lives to drug overdose.

The root causes of this epidemic are multi-faceted and nuanced. Our most vulnerable citizens suffer.

As we move through August, open your mind and heart. The journey to healing and sober curiosity is fraught with barriers, and social stigma remains among the most challenging.

It’s easy to judge, persecute, and shun those in crisis—to believe it could never happen to you or someone you love.

It’s difficult to lift someone who has fallen. Supporting recovery initiatives can be controversial. Acknowledging this truth is often inconvenient.

Take a moment to humble yourself. Perhaps there are aspects of the human experience you have yet to know—perspectives you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. But there are also choices that can be made. Hold your blessings close.

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes this month to learn a little more about the devastating impact addiction has. Offer a prayer for your fellow Americans. Be a light in this ever-darkening world.

God bless you.