Medford

Max’s Mission Announces Two-Day Event for Southern Oregon Overdose Awareness Day

Max’s Mission invites you to participate in the sixth annual commemoration of Southern Oregon Overdose Awareness Day on September 16-17, 2022. For the first time, the event will span two days. In addition to the annual commemoration event on Saturday, September 17, a one-day conference centered on the fentanyl-fueled overdose crisis will be offered Friday, September 16.

Focus on Fentanyl (CEUs provided), Friday September 16th
Friday, September 16th from 1:00 to 4:30 PM, at the Merrick (formerly Inn at the Commons), 200 N. Riverside Avenue, Medford. A total of 3.5 CEUs (continuing education units) are available for this event.

This conference will provide an outstanding opportunity to understand how this lethal drug has taken hold in Southern Oregon. We will also explore potential solutions and what can be done to reduce the negative impact of Fentanyl and protect our community.

Featured speakers will include investigative journalist Ben Westhoff, author of the award-winning Fentanyl, Inc., and a leading expert on the rise of fentanyl as it relates to the current opioid overdose crisis; Kerri Hecox, MD, MPH, Medical Director of Oasis Center of the Rogue Valley; and Kelly Olson, Ph.D., Associate Director of Clinical Affairs at Millennium Health. A brief panel discussion will follow the speakers.

This event is intended for ALL individuals, with CEUs offered for those from the health, recovery, and harm reduction communities. Complimentary light refreshments and beverages will be available. Admission is $20 and tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/focus-on-fentanyl-tickets-390806190837

6th Annual Southern Oregon Overdose Awareness Day, Saturday September 17th
Saturday, September 17th from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at Hawthorne Park, in the area nearest the corner of E. Jackson Street and Hawthorne Street. (Parking entrance on Hawthorne Street.) Complimentary coffee and donuts will be available while supplies last.

Our annual Southern Oregon Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity to commemorate those we have lost to overdose, learn how overdoses can be prevented, and acquire the tools and skills needed to combat overdose death. We encourage people to bring photos or other mementos of loved ones lost. There will be a variety of booths from health, recovery, harm reduction and other public service organizations. In addition, there will be multiple guest speakers including our featured conference speaker Ben Westhoff and other community representatives. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from various local vendors and food trucks.

Overdose prevention kits and training will be available free of charge at both events.

Due to continued COVID-19 concerns we will be asking participants to be mindful of social distancing and wear a mask when needed.