Mayes County Overdose Awareness Day

People in Mayes County are planning an event over the weekend to educate people about the dangers of opioid overdose. It will coincide with International Overdose Awareness Day, which is August 31.

People like Catherine Robbins said they want to spread awareness of opioid issues in Mayes County because they've seen the effects of drug overdose firsthand.

Each butterfly at the Mayes County Courthouse represents 10 people who have died from a drug overdose.

Robbins said her mother had overdosed a few times but survived. However, Robbins has come across friends and acquaintances who didn't.

"Just within the past six months, there have been four friends, acquaintances that I've known, that have died of an overdose, and they've all been from fentanyl," Robbins said. "That's the biggest thing that we're trying to make awareness of with the fentanyl usage here in Mayes County that is very high."

Pryor Creek Police Chief Jeremy Cantrell said educational events like what's going to take place at the Mayes County courthouse on Saturday could save lives.

He said the police department gets a lot of overdose calls, most of them not fatal. However, it's still a big problem. Cantrell said he himself had known a lot of people who had overdosed.

"I've been in law enforcement for 24 years. I've worked with people that I went to school with who have overdosed and passed away because of opioids, and we've all had family members that have struggled with it," said Cantrell. "You know, I'm no different than anyone else."

On Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Mayes County Courthouse, there will be an opportunity for people to learn more about the resources available to help anyone who might be dealing with an opioid addiction.