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Haywood event aims to shed stigma surrounding addiction

Haywood event aims to shed stigma surrounding addiction

This weekend, The SHARE Project will host its third annual WNC drug awareness event — “Hope Not Stigma.”

Featuring over 40 organizations from across the region, the event will also host a number of speakers, including Nathan Cartwright, who will share his story of successful recovery from addiction. Keynote speaker will be Gracie Parker, a 10-year-old Macon County girl who lost her mother to an overdose when she was just 6 months old and has since championed several causes, including increased mental health resources in schools.

Free training on using Narcan will be available.

Organizer Michele Rogers said the event will be a great opportunity for folks in the community to learn about addiction without any stigma or judgment.

“Change starts with awareness, and awareness starts with community,” Rogers said. “And we are all community.”

The event will take place from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 21 at the Nancy Weldon open air gym at Lake Junaluska.

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