Nationwide, 1 in 7 adults report experiencing a substance use disorder. Substance use disorders are common and affect all communities, including Fond du Lac County. Since 2020, Fond du Lac County has lost 82 individuals alone to overdose deaths. “Every day, we feel the impact of substance use disorder in our community. Overdoses have taken too many lives and we need to recognize addiction as the disease it is and talk about it. Stigma is a huge a barrier and it can be deadly. We are here to spread awareness that recovery is possible and help is available,” said Sarah Gradinjan, Community Health & Prevention Supervisor. Substance use disorders are more prevalent than heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and migraines, yet misconceptions and stigma have left many people afraid to talk about their experiences or to seek help. “Having a conversation is crucial to building a community of support and breaking down barriers to recovery. That is what we are aiming to do with our Stigma Awareness Event,” said Cindy Burzinski of WI Voices for Recovery. Fond du Lac County Health Department and Community Medical Services (CMS), are collaborating with WI Voices for Recovery to host a Stigma Awareness event to unite the community in raising awareness on stigma and the barriers it creates to individuals seeking recovery. Stigma awareness events facilitated by Wisconsin Voices for Recovery are one of many efforts to raise awareness about and eliminate stigma. Join us in eliminating stigma! Recovery is for everyone and it’s important to support healing.
Stigma Awareness Event
Thursday, August 24, 2023
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Lakeside Park Pavilion
71 Promen Dr., Fond du Lac, WI
Resource tables featuring area resources and organizations will be available throughout the event starting at 3:00 PM. At 3:45 PM there will be a Narcan administration training. At 4:30 PM there will be a workshop on stigma and cycles of stigma. At 5:30 PM, our featured panel of speakers will share their stories about substance use, loss and recovery, and
address the stigma that exists with addiction. Visit Fond du Lac County Health Department’s website at www.fdlco.wi.gov/gethelp for more information on various resources and area treatment options. If you’re interested in co-hosting a stigma awareness event with Wisconsin Voices for Recovery in your area, please contact Wisconsin Voices for Recovery at: wisconsinvoicesforrecovery@fammed.wisc.edu.
