Rand Aid’s Wedge Gardens treatment centre marked International Overdose Day on August 31, 2017, by holding an interactive discussion with the people undergoing in-house rehabilitation.

“It was especially emotional when the guys shared their personal experiences about losing people to overdose. It was both alarming yet sobering when they recalled their own overdose experiences,” says social worker Karen Griessel. “The awareness day presented a platform for them to feel safe in sharing without feeling stigmatised and it brought everyone together regarding this unfortunate common reality in addiction.” This global day calls on people to wear silver ribbons to spread awareness of overdose and Wedge staff and residents wore hand-made ribbons fashioned by the residents, who also made informative display posters. Pictured with some residents are Adele Nel and Karen Griessel.

For more information, call Wedge Gardens on 011 430 0320.

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