SAFFORD — Nearly two-dozen people gathered at the steps of the graham County Courthouse Wednesday to remember those lost to addiction.
Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition hosted the rally for International Overdose Awareness Day, giving family members a chance to speak about those they’ve lost to addiction and the grief they continue to experience.
“After 10 years, after losing my son, it still . . . I miss him every day. I think of him every hour of every day,” said Jean Napier. “The emptiness and the pain doesn’t go away.”
Moe Villalba Jr., who also lost a son to addiction, said the rally offered more than a remembrance, it also brought together those who wish to help their neighbors before they begin abusing drugs.
“I’m still here to do the fighting, with other family members and people from this community. That’s why we’re here today,” Villalba said.
Jason Baca, director of the House of Hope sober living facility, said it’s important to also remember those currently battling addiction.
“Keep praying for those out there who are sick and suffering,” Baca said.
The next big effort in the battle against addiction is the Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition’s 16th annual symposium, Sept. 21, at Eastern Arizona College.
“Our own Judge (Michael) Peterson will be presenting this year. And we also have a gentleman from Awakenings Recovery who is going to present on addiction, to help us understand a little bit more about addiction,” said Kathy Grimes, executive director for the coalition.
“We have a dad who lost his son to an overdose of fentanyl that he obtained on social media,” she continued. “He had just turned 14 the month prior, and he ordered on social media what he thought was Oxy. The drug dealer delivered it right to his house and the parents were not aware of it at all.”
