On August 14, communities across Michigan will turn their attention to overdose awareness with a public event at the Lions Pavilion at First Street Beach in Manistee. The gathering, centered on the theme of overdose awareness, aims to confront stigma, encourage recovery, and provide critical information to those affected by substance use and their families.

Manistee Event Shines Light on Recovery

Organized through a partnership between the Manistee Friendship Society and Samaritan Way, the event will feature a range of speakers and activities. Cassandra Kamaloski, executive director of the Friendship Society, and Patrick Burba, a recovery coach with Samaritan Way, are leading efforts to ensure the manistee event provides a welcoming, judgment-free environment where individuals can seek overdose prevention guidance and support from peers and professionals alike.

Personal Stories Highlight Paths to Recovery

The event’s speaker lineup includes four individuals whose personal and family experiences with addiction provide unique perspectives on the realities of opioid recovery. Among them are people who have rebuilt their lives after substance use and a relative of a victim of accidental overdose, underscoring the vital role of community outreach in the healing process. Burba, who has overcome homelessness and addiction himself, will share his journey, emphasizing the importance of behavioral health and local support networks in sustaining long-term wellness.

Key Community Resources on Site

Attendees will have access to a breadth of addiction resources and recovery support organizations during the event. Local chapters of Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous will staff resource booths alongside District Health Department No. 10, offering information and contacts for ongoing mental health and substance use services. These resources are tailored to address both immediate and long-term needs for individuals and families impacted by addiction in Michigan.

Activities Designed to Inspire Hope

In addition to educational offerings, the overdose awareness event will feature a variety of activities intended to foster hope and encourage community connection. Guests can enjoy a taco truck, interactive games, and an art contest organized by the Friendship Society. The contest is designed to empower participants to express their recovery journeys and aspirations through creative work, further reinforcing the event’s focus on positive behavioral health initiatives.

Collaboration Fuels Effective Outreach

The partnership between the Friendship Society and Samaritan Way is foundational to the event’s mission of widespread community outreach. Both groups actively support individuals and families navigating the challenges of addiction, making this collaboration a model for how nonprofit organizations in Michigan can address complex issues like overdose prevention and opioid recovery through united public action.

Open Invitation for the Michigan Community

The manistee event is free and open to all, reflecting organizers’ commitment to inclusivity and regional impact. By making overdose awareness central to the conversation, the gathering ensures Michigan residents have access to factual education and a supportive atmosphere—demonstrating that help is available, recovery is possible, and collective action can drive meaningful change.