SALVATION ARMY KARRATHA LEADERS ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE ON INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY
BY CASSIE ARIUU
Jodie Jones and her husband, the new pastoral leaders at Salvation Army Karratha, have marked International Overdose Awareness Day by emphasizing the importance of community support and understanding in the fight against drug-related deaths.
International Overdose Awareness Day is a global initiative aimed at uniting communities to address the issue of overdose fatalities. The day serves as a poignant reminder to remember those who have lost their lives to overdose, while also providing a space to acknowledge the grief of their loved ones and to challenge the stigma surrounding drug-related deaths.
In her address, Jodie Jones highlighted the significance of coming together to support one another. "We can stand together to raise awareness about the services that are available. We can stand together to remember without stigma those who have died, and we can stand together to acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind," Jones said. "Most importantly, we can stand together to make sure nobody travels this journey on their own."
The Salvation Army Karratha is deeply embedded in the local community, offering a range of vital services designed to support those in need:
Safe Space: Provides a sanctuary for women and children in crisis.
Youth Crisis Accommodation: Offers support and accommodation for young people facing urgent situations.
Salvos Store: Sells affordable goods and helps reduce landfill waste.
Doorways Community Support: Acts as an entry point for individuals seeking help and connects them with appropriate resources.
International Overdose Awareness Day is not just a day of remembrance but also a call to action. By participating in local events and accessing available resources, community members can contribute to reducing overdose deaths and building a supportive environment for those affected.
Jones further explained, "We also have a youth crisis accommodation service. Our Salvos store offers great bargains and helps reduce landfill, and our Doorways Community Support team ensures there's no wrong entry point for those seeking help."
As the community comes together to honor those lost to overdose and support their families, the Salvation Army Karratha stands ready to help navigate the journey toward a future where overdose deaths are a thing of the past.
