Have you seen the adult and children silhouettes around Tuscarawas County and wondered what they represent? The answer is Project HOPE.
This awareness campaign is brought to you in partnership with Empower Tusc.
On August 30, Empower Tusc launched Project HOPE, in an effort to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day. Project HOPE shines a light on issues of addiction and overdose, especially bringing awareness to the toll that drug overdose is taking here in Tuscarawas County.
What About the Silhouettes?
Each silhouette represents a different static or resource. They serve as a memorial in remembrance of those in our community lost to addiction.
- The black silhouette represents nine overdose deaths in the county from January 10 to June 30, 2023.
- Gray silhouettes represent the 82 overdoses not resulting in death in Tuscarawas County.
- The yellow silhouette reminds us that “There is Always Hope.”
- Additionally, there are yard signs to promote the Tuscarawas County Substance Use Hope Line (330) 663- 6812 and how to access Naloxone (Narcan) kits.
According to Empower TUSC, “Project Hope is an annual awareness campaign to publicly challenge the stigma associated with substance use disorders and overdosing. This year’s campaign acts as a period of remembrance for the 21 Tuscarawas County residents who died because of an overdose in 2022. Project Hope also allows survivors to remember the 9 county residents who passed away from overdoses and recognize the 82 recorded overdoses (not resulting in death) in our county during the first six months of 2023.”
EmpowerTusc provides resources and assistance for families and individuals struggling with addiction. Visit their website at EmpowerTusc.com or give them a call at (330) 440-7319. You can also check out their list of local resources for those struggling with addiction, dependency, grief, anxiety/depression, and more.
Audrey Mattevi, Reporting