The River hosts candlelight vigil for those lost to addiction

In a heartfelt tribute to those lost to addiction, The River Recovery hosted a special event on Saturday to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.

Held on the north side of the Neshoba County Courthouse, the event honored the memories of those who have passed away and offered hope and healing to their loved ones.

The gathering, which began at 7 p.m., featured a candlelight vigil, symbolizing the light of remembrance and the warmth of community support. Attendees shared stories, prayers, and reflections, creating a space for collective mourning and solidarity.

“The River Recovery is dedicated to providing Christ-centered resources for healing, and today, we stood together to acknowledge the profound impact of addiction on our community,” said Barry Walker, a representative and founder of The River. “This vigil was a reminder that every life lost is cherished, and we will continue to fight for those struggling with addiction.”

Walker emphasized that addiction affects not only those who are addicted and their loved ones but also their communities and first responders who deal with overdose.

International Overdose Awareness Day, observed annually on Aug. 31, is a global event that seeks to raise awareness about overdose, reduce stigma, and promote action to end the overdose crisis.

There is an international crisis of drug overdose, observers say. Over the last 20 years, drug overdose deaths have increased significantly in many parts of the world, including Neshoba County.

Each year, a record number of deaths are reported, predominantly driven by the misuse of opioids, often in combination with other drugs, including benzodiazepines, stimulants, and alcohol, officials said.

In 2021, an estimated 296 million people—one in every 17 people aged 15-64—had used a drug in the past 12 months, marking a 23 percent increase from 2011.

In 2023, provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yielded an estimate of 105,303 drug overdose deaths in the United States.

The River, a 501(c)(3) organization located in Philadelphia, has placed over 1,000 individuals into recovery since opening its doors in 2017. It offers faith-based support to those battling addiction. 

The candlelight vigil event was open to the public, and many gathered for an evening of remembrance and hope.

“I never want our community to forget the men and women whose lives were either lost or damaged by this terrible plague,” Walker said. “Even though we only commemorate this day once a year, I go to work every day with them on my mind.”

For more information about The River, visit their website at www.theriverrecovery.com