Amidst the daily news cycle, one topic that does not usually make the cut is the national opioid crisis, and Peoria is no exception to the ongoing epidemic. A group of four students, however, is hoping to change that.
Grace Smith, a senior political science and public relations double major, alongside senior public relations majors Kelly Wrobel, Caroline Letzel and Noelle Mefford, are all working to bring much needed attention to the opioid crisis that is happening in our own city for their capstone project.
On April 14, they are hosting an event, “Bring Light to the Fight,” as a means to raise awareness of this issue.
“Our event, ‘Bring Light to the Fight,’ is centered around the opioid epidemic, which is a crisis within the Peoria community and nationwide,” Smith said. “Our group knew it was a huge topic to tackle, but its significance cannot be overlooked, which is what drew us to it.”
At the event, a variety of resources will be offered including Naloxone training and distribution.
“Naloxone, or NARCAN, is the lifesaving drug that stops an opioid overdose, so knowing how to administer NARCAN could be the difference between life and death for someone,” Smith said.
Additionally, the event will offer more educational resources and a mural reveal.
“The mural includes people who have been impacted by drug abuse. Some are recovering drug addicts, while others have lost loved ones from overdoses,” Smith said.
There will also be a silent auction, free CPR training from the Peoria Fire Department, guest speakers and free sexual assault kits and screenings provided by Central Illinois FRIENDS. Wrobel said all of these resources are being made available to help attendees learn the signs of overdosing as well as how to react.
“This disease touches so many lives, and our event is important because we will be talking about why it is okay to talk about addiction and the resources people need to know to identify an overdose as well as stop one,” Wrobel said. “We want to educate as many people as possible as this crisis continues to rise.”
Hoping to bring an element of emotion and reality to the opioid crisis, Smith said it is important to know that students here at Bradley may be a victim of this crisis. Smith believes students have suffered, but are uncomfortable talking about addiction due to the stigma surrounding it.
The group will also partner with Invictus Woods, a non-for-profit rehabilitation center that helps residents rebuild their lives. Involvement with groups such as Invictus Woods is one way for Bradley students to fight against the opioid crisis in Peoria, and show Bradley’s commitment to this community and to help it out in any way possible.
According to TOPA, The Overdose Prevention Agency, “In order to begin a long-term conversation within central Illinois, TOPA welcomes people of all ages to attend our ‘Bring Light to the Fight’ event.”
All students and staff are encouraged to come to this event April 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m at C.T. Gabbert Construction located at 1323 SW Adams St.
