SALINAS VALLEY — More than 200 community members attended last month’s Overdose Awareness Symposium 2022, hosted by Sun Street Centers to bring attention to the uptick in drug-related overdoses.
Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez was master of ceremonies for the countywide event, held Aug. 31 at the Salinas Sports Complex in Salinas.
The evening featured speakers from healthcare, law enforcement and treatment providers, as well as families who have been devastated by overdose.
“(We) especially want to thank those that spoke from personal experience. It moved us all to do even more to combat addiction and support recovery,” Sun Street Centers posted on social media afterward. “The fentanyl poisonings are increasing in our community and we NEED an inpatient program for our youth, locally.”
South Monterey County was represented by King City Police Chief Keith Boyd and officers from Soledad Police Department, in addition to Lopez, whose district covers the area.
“Our hats off to Sun Street Centers and their Overdose Awareness Symposium 2022,” Soledad Police said in a Facebook post. “We were honored to attend this great event. We heard first hand stories of loss, recovery and success. You truly make a difference in our communities and we are grateful!”
