The public is invited to participate in an islandwide sign-waving event Friday to raise awareness about drug overdoses, addiction and prevention.
The Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force in organizing this event, which will occur simultaneously at multiple locations at 4 p.m. The goal is to send a message of hope, love and remembrance for those lost to addiction.
“This event is about more than just waving signs. It’s about showing those who are struggling that they are not alone,” Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita, CEO of the Big Island Substance Abuse Council, said in a press release. “We want to educate our community on the resources available, honor those we’ve lost, and rally together in support and aloha.”
Residents are encouraged to join at designated Hawaii Island locations at 4 p.m. The locations are:
— Hilo, Kanoelehua Ave (fronting Walmart parking lot);
— Kona makai, Queen Ka‘ahuman Hwy (near the Mormon temple);
— Kona mauka, Hawaii Belt Road (fronting Randy’s Huli Huli Chicken);
— Waimea, Ikua Purdy Monument (front of Parker Ranch Center).
Participants are welcome to bring their own signs with positive and supportive messages or use those the task force will provide on-site.
This initiative is supported by the Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force, the Big Island Substance Abuse Council, Going Home Hawaii and Recovery of Hawaii — all working together to create a future free from the devastation of addiction and overdose.
According to the press release, with addiction touching countless lives, this event serves as a beacon of awareness and action, reminding the community that prevention, treatment and recovery are possible.
Volunteers will hold signs displaying messages of encouragement, support and remembrance to foster conversations of change and break the stigma surrounding substance use disorders.
For more information about how to get involved, please visit www.HIFTF.org, follow on social media at HIFentanylTaskForce or contact at admin@hiftf.org to schedule training or educational presentations.