Breaking the Stigma: Honoring Loved Ones & Saving Lives | International Overdose Awareness Day

Substance use disorder affects families, friends, and entire communities. In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Lauren Metzler, founder of Tevan's Tribe, and Jordan Keene to discuss International Overdose Awareness Day, breaking the stigma surrounding addiction, and the importance of compassion, recovery, and community support.

The conversation also highlights two upcoming community events designed to honor loved ones, raise awareness, and connect people with valuable local resources.

📅 International Overdose Awareness Day Community Event
📍 RB&W Park, Downtown Rock Falls
🗓 Sunday, August 31
🕟 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Enjoy food trucks, live music by Bobby White, community resource vendors, counseling and recovery organizations, and a special opportunity to write messages or the names of loved ones on a donated vehicle that will later be crushed as a symbol of breaking the stigma surrounding addiction.

🏐 4th Annual Tevan's Tribe Blind Draw Sand Volleyball Tournament
📍 Emerson's, Rock Falls
🗓 Saturday, September 5
🕗 Registration begins at 8 a.m. | Moment of Silence at 9 a.m.

Open to players of all skill levels, this event features volleyball, family activities, silent auction items, food specials and a day dedicated to honoring loved ones while supporting Tevan's Tribe's mission. This year's tournament is especially meaningful as it falls on what would have been Tevan's 35th birthday.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, this conversation is a reminder that help is available and no one has to face recovery alone.

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🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome to Along the Rock

00:14 – What Is International Overdose Awareness Day?

01:18 – Turning Loss Into a Mission

02:08 – Breaking the Stigma Around Addiction

03:29 – Understanding Substance Use Disorder

04:49 – Compassion Over Judgment

05:01 – International Overdose Awareness Day Event in Rock Falls

05:39 – Remembering Loved Ones Through the Smash Car

06:24 – Live Music & Community Resources

06:46 – Fourth Annual Volleyball Tournament

07:24 – Honoring a Brother and Mother Through Community

08:18 – A Day of Remembrance and Celebration

09:04 – You Are Not Alone

09:52 – Creating a Welcoming Community

10:36 – The Impact of Heaven's Tribe

10:49 – How Narcan Helped Someone Get the Help They Needed

12:27 – Honoring the Faces Behind the Statistics

13:29 – The Biggest Message: Everyone Deserves Love

14:16 – You Don't Have to Go Through Recovery Alone

14:39 – Why Everyone Should Carry Narcan

15:08 – Narcan Is for More Than Fentanyl Overdoses

16:27 – One Boxes: Making Narcan Accessible

17:25 – Free Narcan Can Save a Life

17:46 – Thank You for Joining Us

17:58 – Closing

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