Did you know, according to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, 107,543 people in the U.S. died of a drug overdose in 2023? That was only a 3% decrease since 2022 and was the first decrease in drug overdoses since 2018.
September is National Recovery Month in the US. This month is dedicated to promoting the importance of evidence-based recovery and treatment options. The overdose crisis and substance abuse affect thousands nationwide, including misusers and their loved ones.
This is not only a national issue but also a local issue in our community. The Tennessee Department of Health reported in 2022, 29 deaths in Putnam County were due to drug overdose. Power of Putnam, located in the heart of Cookeville, Tennessee, is fighting this crisis at hand.
Power of Putnam is a coalition dedicated to preventing substance misuse and working together to implement strategies to help the community here in Putnam County. This is one of the many organizations devoted to this cause in the Putnam County area. Recently, the coalition hosted Paint the Park Purple at Dogwood Park in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day on Saturday, Aug. 31. This event highlighted community resources committed to people struggling with substance abuse, testimonies of addicts, speakers of organizations, a proclamation signing, a candle vigil for lost ones to overdose and more.
Testimonial speaker Dylan Johnson, a Narcotics Anonymous (NA) member, spoke about his battle with addiction starting back early in his childhood. Johnson stated, “I remember thinking in my mind the first time I used, this is what everyone else feels all the time. I don’t have to worry about this.”
Johnson, an alumni of Cookeville High School and TTU, has been clean since Dec. 15, 2018. He currently works helping people struggling with addiction. “NA for me, gave me what I needed,” Johnson concluded.
Power of Putnam and all the community resources aimed at supporting addicts of all different kinds in Putnam County, strive to help people in the local community just like Johnson.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, know it is okay to reach out for help. There are plenty of local resources available just a phone call away.
For more information, you can visit the Power of Putnam website at PowerofPutnam.org or give them a call at (931) 520-7531.
Written by: Lilly Davis – Photographer
Photos taken by: Lilly Davis – Photographer
Photo 1: Power of Putnam, host of the International Overdose Awareness Day event on Aug. 31, 2024 in Dogwood Park.
Photo 2: Zaria Ford and Kathryn Dye of Tech’s Center for Addiction Prevention and Support.
Photo 3: Lila Naugle speaking on behalf of Power of Putnam on Aug. 31, 2024 in Dogwood Park.
Photo 4: Katy and Ally Williams of Tech’s sorority, Omega Phi Alpha, Aug. 31, 2024 in Dogwood Park.
Photo 5: Alex McLerran and Cherokee Hope Upton singing for the event.
Photo 6: Narcotics Anonymous, a nonprofit organization founded to aid people struggling with drug addiction.
Photo 7: Dylan Johnson, Narcotics Anonymous member and Tech alumni, giving his testimony.
Photo 8: A rainbow covering the event at Dogwood Park.
Photo 9: Danielle Price, Crystal Anderson and Kendra Martin of This is Living Ministries, a christ-centered re-entry program for women.
