LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day Aug. 31, the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections is shattering the stigma of drug-related overdoses and working to raise awareness.
What You Need To Know
- The Louisville Metro Department of Corrections is shattering the stigma of drug-related overdoses
- It hosted an event Aug. 29 in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day to provide education and connect people with resources
- According to the Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report, overdose deaths declined for the second straight year
- There was also Narcan available thanks to its medical provider, YES Care
"Beaten down" and "destroyed" is how Jami Collins said she came into LMDC in 2013. Looking at her mugshot, she said she remembers the roughly seven months she spent behind bars, adding she had a lengthy list of charges because of a heroin addiction.
“It was hell; can I say that?" I don’t know a better way to describe it," said Collins, a Louisville resident. "It takes a hold of you. Before you realize it, everything is gone. I lost homes.”
The wife and mother of five said Aug. 4 marked 11 years of her being heroin-free. She now works as a counselor for the department and said LMDC saved her life.
“We work to connect people before they leave here with the resources they need, the treatment they need, whether it be clothing, food, living, housing, anything you need to rebuild that recovery capital," Collins said.
LMDC hosted an event Aug. 29 in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, with the goal of providing education and connecting people to resources. There was also Narcan available thanks to its medical provider, YES Care. Community partners like the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition were also on site with harm reduction information.
The 2023 Team Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report shows drug overdose deaths declined for the second straight year.
“I think every single person probably knows someone directly or secondarily that has been impacted by (a) drug overdose death," said Mariya Leyderman, LMDC executive chief psychologist.
There were handwritten notes on a table reading, “I support harm reduction because … I’ve seen it work” and "because too many lives have been lost."
“It’s really a matter of connection and awareness, letting people know that we’re there and we care," Collins said.
Help is available for those struggling with addiction or in crisis through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and substance use, suicide and mental health counselors.