RUHS Launches Overdose Awareness Walk and Resource Fair

Riverside University Health System’s (RUHS) "One Life, One Heart" Poisoning and Overdose Awareness Walk will debut across three Riverside locations on three separate dates. The event is designed to heighten awareness of substance use dangers and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to drug overdoses. RUHS extends an open invitation to the community to participate in this commemorative walk and resource fair.

EVENT DETAILS:

Palm Desert Civic Center, 43900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert

• Wednesday, March 27
•  7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Riverside's Fairmount Park, 2601 Fairmount Blvd., Riverside

• Saturday, April 13
• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Murrieta Town Square Park, 1 Town Square, Murrieta

• Saturday, April 27
• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The events offer opportunities to engage, inform, and support attendees, including a free 5K Fun Walk to promote health and solidarity among community members. A resource fair will provide attendees with valuable information and access to a variety of support and resources. The event will feature inspirational guest speakers who share their insights and personal stories, offering perspectives on recovery, prevention, and the importance of community support in addressing the overdose crisis. Lunch will be provided.

"Addressing substance use and overdoses is not just an individual health issue; it's a community health issue. We stand together to raise awareness, provide support, and remember those we've lost to this epidemic," said Chuck Washington, Riverside County’s Third District Supervisor.

In 2023, the United States experienced an unprecedented increase in overdose fatalities, with the national death toll exceeding 112,000 for the first time, largely due to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In Riverside County, fentanyl overdose fatalities reached 428 in 2023. A significant portion of those deaths affected the younger population, with 205 victims aged 25-44 and 38 fatalities among individuals aged 15-24.

The "One Life, One Heart" events will serve as a crucial platform for community organizations and county services to come together, offering a wealth of resources such as housing assistance, behavioral health resources, healthcare services, and much more.

“Recognizing the signs of poisoning and overdose is crucial in our fight against this growing crisis,” said Dr. Matthew Chang, Behavioral Health Director for RUHS. “At RUHS, we are deeply committed to providing comprehensive services and resources to address and prevent these tragic occurrences in Riverside County. Together, we can make a difference."

Registration for the walk is available online at https://bit.ly/1LifeWalkRegister.For more information, please email [email protected].

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