atTAcK addiction events back in Delaware

GEORGETOWN, Del. — For the past decade, AtTAcK Addiction has hosted two events each year to observe Overdose Awareness Day.

The events, held in Georgetown and Newark, Delaware, aim to honor lives lost in the opioid epidemic and provide support for those impacted by addiction. Jill Fredel, director of communications, emphasized the importance of connecting with families who have lost loved ones, as well as those currently struggling with substance use disorder.

“It’s just a devastating loss, and it’s really important to remember those folks,” Fredel said. “But also, as I said before, to look ahead and ask, how can we connect people who are struggling with addiction to their loved ones? A lot of times, families come to us and ask, ‘Can you help?’”

Fredel noted that the events offer the community a chance to gather and share experiences.

“One of the ways we do that is through a group called People Empowering People,” she explained. “Addiction not only affects the individual, but it affects the whole family. It’s really important for us to have that connection through our PEP team coaches. These are people who have had loved ones struggling with substance use. Our coaches offer the lived experience of having a loved one walk that same path and are able to talk with a parent, sibling, or other family member about difficult decisions—like, should I let them come back home? Should I give them money? How can I connect them to treatment?”

The events are scheduled for Aug. 27.