Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The Axis I Center of Barnwell staff works hard to help those struggling with addiction. On left: Kathy Witherspoon, Karen Falcon, Cheryl Murdock, Hilary Hindman, Dana Coto, Dawn Snead, Pamela McKnight; Right side: Roy Lockard, Susan Ingram, Pam Rush, Courtney Barwick, Malynn Ray, Susan Beach.
People left messages on the luminaries.
Attendees of the luminary service make luminaries in memory of loved ones who died of overdoses.
The message on T-shirts at the event stated "No Story Should End Too Soon".
Luminaries are lit and placed around the Circle.
Luminaries represented the 27 lives lost in Barnwell County since 2022 to drug overdose. The flickering lights inside those luminaries represented a message of recovery and hope for those struggling with addiction.
The Axis I Center of Barnwell hosted the luminary service on Thursday, August 31 in downtown Barnwell in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day. This is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
“By coming together to remember them, we stand together to say that more needs to be done to end overdose in our community,” said Pam Rush, executive director of Axis I. “We encouraged members of the community with lived experience to come to our event and to stand in solidarity with the men and women who have been personally affected by overdose.”
The luminary service remembered the 23 lives lost to overdose in 2022 and the four lost so far in 2023 in Barnwell County, while showing support for their families.
“It has a devastating impact on community and families,” said Kathy Witherspoon, deputy director of Axis I.
“Addiction does not discriminate. It impacts lives from all walks of life – no matter how rich or poor you may be,” added Rush.
The Axis I Center of Barnwell offers resources for those struggling with addictions, but oftentimes stigma and shame prevent some from seeking help. That’s why the agency used the luminary service to start a conversation about the importance of reaching out to people struggling with addiction rather than shaming or blaming them.
“People with addiction already feel enough shame and blame for their situation, they do not need others to heap on more. Stigma and shame are one of the primary reasons people struggling with addictions or family members who have a loved one struggling with addiction do not reach out for treatment or other services. We need to end that stigma so that more people can feel comfortable in accessing the help they need,” said Rush.
That stigma includes saying the addict should have quit using drugs. Rush said that’s not the reality of addiction, which is actually a disease.
Addicts are not bad people.
“They’re amazing people, I have people in addiction who would take the shirt off their back to help someone else,” said Witherspoon, who has lost a loved one.
“Those people are just stuck in a bad place, trying to escape bad thoughts, bad feelings, bad experiences,” said one attendee who is in recovery.
The journey to addiction for many started by taking prescribed opioids like Oxycontin for an injury. A 30-day supply can lead to addiction, which can lead to using other drugs. Sometimes these drugs are laced with deadly ingredients like fentanyl or rat poison.
Witherspoon encouraged everyone to be trained in the administration of Narcan and carry Narcan with them in the event they encounter someone overdosing. Narcan does not provide those dealing with an addiction an excuse to continue to use drugs.
“It gives that person another chance. That’s what it’s all about, giving them another chance to seek recovery and live,” said Rush. “Every life matters.”
Anyone can come to the Axis I Center of Barnwell, 179 Fuldner Road, Barnwell, and get Narcan for free. Staff will demonstrate how to administer Narcan.
An attendee who is in recovery said Narcan doesn’t promote drug addicts to go out and live recklessly. He said many are hoping for death, so using Narcan is the last thing on their mind. He’s grateful for Narcan and for the loving staff of Axis I who have helped him in his own journey to recovery.
“Things do get better. People get better,” he said.
Though the Axis I Center of Barnwell is equipped to help those in addiction, it’s ultimately up to the person.
“We all give everything we got fighting the good fight, but we can’t save anyone. We can give them tools, counseling, meds, Narcan, and love; there’s not a soul who walks through those doors that won’t feel love,” said Witherspoon.
For more information about services available at the Axis I Cener of Barnwell, call 803-541-1245. Or visit www.axis1.org or their Facebook page.
This year’s theme is “Recognizing Those Who Go Unseen” which honors the people whose lives have been altered by overdose, including “family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion; or spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver,” said Rush.
With several people in attendance who are in recovery, including some who now work for Axis I in peer support roles, Rush said they are “living proof that through treatment and recovery you can have a fulfilling life while improving health and wellness.”
Recovery is possible.
