The Ottawa County Prevention Coalition and many volunteers came together to host an impactful Overdose Awareness Day event that featured Dr. Nicole Labor, shown here, in the center with the hat on. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – Each year, one of the most powerful elements of Ottawa County Overdose Awareness Day is the line of silhouettes representing each person that died from an overdose in the county that year. This year, the event organizers didn’t display any silhouettes. They didn’t need to.

There were zero deaths from overdose in Ottawa County this year.

Leah Brookins, left, and Stephanie Holt hosted Ottawa County Overdose Awareness Day. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Zero deaths was a remarkable achievement to celebrate at the event, which was hosted by the Ottawa County Prevention Coalition in downtown Port Clinton on Aug. 31. Leah Brookins, who hosted the event, said that the county shouldn’t still need an Overdose Awareness Day, but it does.

Maybe this year’s good news is a sign that maybe, one day, it will no longer be needed. Ottawa County is doing an extraordinary job supporting those in recovery and fighting the stigma attached to it.

About 250 people gathered in downtown Port Clinton for Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“Ottawa County is a community where people refuse to give up,” said master of ceremonies, Stephanie Holt. “We will keep fighting every single day.”

The purpose of Overdose Awareness Day is to remember and honor the lives of those lost to overdose, connect local residents to addiction recovery resources, and spread the message that recovery is possible. Holt is proof of that.

Dr. Nicole Labor was the keynote speaker for Overdose Awareness Day. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Three years ago, Holt woke up in a hospital bed a survivor of overdose. That day was a turning point for her. She embraced recovery, and today she is a good mother, daughter, and friend, and she serves as a Family Peer Mentor for the Ottawa County Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Team (START).

“Overdose was another thing Stephanie overcame. Now she sits at the Prevention Coalition meetings,” Brookins said. “Now she helps other people believe in their own potential.”

Although there were no silhouettes at this year’s Overdose Awareness Day, the event still honored those lost to overdose in the past. Marsie McLaury and Mary’s Blossom Shoppe partnered to create a memorial display. Attendees placed carnations into the display in honor of their loved ones lost to overdose. At the end of the night, an exquisite butterfly was formed by the flowers, creating an emotional and impactful experience for the families.

From left, Pastor Jarrod Schaaf, Judge Bruce Winters, and Connie Roe were honored for their support of the recovery community in Port Clinton. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

During the event, three people were honored for their compassionate impact on the recovery community: Ottawa County Court of Common Pleas Judge Bruce Winters; Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center Executive Director Connie Roe; and Pastor Jarrod Schaaf of St. John Lutheran Church. Each one provided dedicated support that has helped hundreds of people in recovery.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Nicole Labor, who serves as the medical director for several addiction treatment and behavioral health programs throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania. Labor has dedicated her career to promoting evidence-based addiction treatment and reducing the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. Labor is in recovery for alcohol and drug addiction, and she has helped thousands of people find success in their own recovery journey.

“I’ve seen over 70,000 people in recovery over the course of my career. That’s really hopeful,” she said.

Marsie McLaury and Mary’s Blossom Shoppe created this floral butterfly display to honor those lost to addiction. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Labor said people in recovery are not simply ceasing to abuse drugs and alcohol.

“We’re reconstructing. We’re not just putting the drug down,” she said.

Some of Ottawa County’s strongest and most impactful people are those committed to recovery and personal reconstruction.

“Recovery can be a catalyst that will launch you to a place where you will learn the secrets of life,” Labor said. “People, when they are in recovery, are incredible people. They are smart, resourceful, funny. They have this unique skillset.”

Before leaving the stage, Labor summed up the purpose of the entire Overdose Awareness Day event.

“I think the main message here is that anyone can recover,” she said.