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UK alum, extension professor provides a 'Voice of Hope' inside and outside of the classroom
April 19, 2024
“We looked at all of the help I had in my recovery,” Elswick said. “With my employment, education, mental and physical health — you could go down the list of everything I had access to that put me in a better position to recover. But 99% of folks who have addictions in our community don’t have access to most of those resources.”
KIPRC addresses substance use disparities in communities of color
April 1, 2024
“Structural barriers, such as poverty, racism, and differential access to social services, can significantly impact meeting participants’ social and economic needs, as well as community trust in institutions that provide recovery services,” said Kevin Crabtree, a program coordinator at Voices of Hope.
In response to these challenges, Nickol Perez, Voices of Hope bilingual recovery navigator, works to establish trust within these communities by paying visits, attentively listening, and addressing their specific needs.
Kentucky nonprofit awarded $2 million for recovery work
March 21, 2024
Voices of Hope, a Kentucky nonprofit that supports people affected by substance use disorder, is getting $2 million.
“We’re in a very underserved area to meet people where they are in their recovery and interact with people more,” Biggers said.
Several nonprofits across Kentucky selected to receive funding to address opioid epidemic
November 20, 2023
“Voices of Hope,” is one nonprofit selected for the “Funding for Recovery Equity and Expansion (FREE) Program.” It’s part of the “Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.”
“We’re very excited and grateful to be receiving this funding and to be a part of this,” said Gary Biggers, a program coordinator at “Voices of Hope.”
‘Shiner’ play in Lexington tackles tough topics, provides real-life resources
October 20, 2023
Voices of Hope will be at each showing, giving out Narcan and connecting audience members with crucial, real-life resources or services.
Narcan Available at Chain Pharmacies
September 19, 2023
Overall, though, advocates like Starry Johnson, program coordinator at Voices of Hope, say the availability of more readily accessible life-saving drugs is worth every life they can save.
Lexington nonprofit offers free alcohol, drug recovery services
Aug 11, 2023
Every week, Farmer calls participants in Voices of Hope alcohol/substance abuse recovery program, checking in to see how they’re doing in recovery or just how their day has been.
Spanish-Language Recovery Coach Supports People With Substance Use Disorder
Jun 26, 2023
Perez works at Voices of Hope, another Lexington-based organization that assists people in recovery from substance use disorder. Their efforts to serve the Hispanic community are funded by a grant from Pew with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies.
It can save lives': Coalition commends decriminalization of fentanyl test strips
Apr 5, 2023
“It isn’t that we’re advocating use of substances, but if someone were going to use, we want to make sure we’ve provided the means for them to use safely,” echoed David Brumett.
The Madison County Detention Center has a new vending machine that dispenses free boxes of Narcan.
Feb 8, 2023
Trosper was revived from an overdose twice during his 25 years of addiction and is grateful to have helped connect over 500 people incarcerated in the jail to recovery services, he said.
“I really can’t put into words or describe what the feeling is,” said Trosper. “It’s one of the greatest feelings you’ll ever achieve or have in your life.”
CDC data says overdose deaths are down nearly 8% in Kentucky
May 28, 2024
“It was the first time I’ve heard of a decrease in a long time, so it is encouraging to me to see that some things are working, and that we’re decreasing in this and maybe working towards a solution,” said Biggers.
The work at Voices of Hope provides a support system and a chance to bounce back. And this recovery center is in a state of making progress.
UK study finds disparities in substance use disorder for communities of color
April 5, 2024
“We’re all about community and it’s in our title Voices of Hope,” he said. “We want to hear from all voices, and we want to serve all voices.”
The work to reduce overdose fatalities is still in progress, but there is strength in numbers and strength input from those with a variety of life experiences.
“The more voices that we can hear from, the stronger the organization we will become, and the better that we can serve the community,” said Crabtree.
KET Kentucky Edition
March 25, 2024
Last week MacKenzie Scott, the billionaire ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bazos announced she is giving away 640 million dollars to more than 350 organizations across the country. Only one group in Kentucky was chosen, Voices of Hope.
Survivors Union of the Bluegrass marks year of impact on UK research
January 26, 2024
SUB was formed by a group of researchers in the Substance Use Priority Research Area (SUPRA), but the group can consult with any researcher at UK. It is supported by SUPRA along with the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) and Voices of Hope, a local non-profit recovery agency based in Lexington.
Lexington-based recovery org receives $1 million from state opioid settlement funds
October 2, 2023
A Lexington-based organization dedicated to supporting those in recovery from addiction is receiving a million-dollar grant from the state’s opioid settlement funding.
Recovery Awareness Day honors lives lost to overdose
September 23, 2023
Saturday marked what used to be the annual Overdose Awareness Day. It’s now been deemed “Recovery Awareness Day”, an event aimed at celebrating those in recovery, and honor those whose lives have been lost to addictions. It includes speakers, a resource fair, kids activities, and a way for families to honor their loved ones.
KY recovery centeres detail impact of Narcan reaching store shelves
Sep 7, 2023
“I think the cost could definitely be a barrier,” said Crabtree. Crabtree is a program coordinator for the Lexington non-profit, Voices of Hope, which offers an affordable alternative. “Here at Voices of Hope, we provide overdose training education and we provide Narcan at no cost,” Crabtree said.
Lexington Fire Department launches new Narcan program
Jun 13, 2023
“Narcan can be administered by a friend, a family member, someone that you see out in the community, right?” said Chadwell. “It can be anybody that can administer Narcan, so the more available it is, the more lives that can be potentially saved.”
Paving pathways to recovery at Voices of Hope
Apr 17, 2023
“What’s the one thing that you can pass on to everyone, every time you engage with them? It’s it’s hope,” Elswick said. “It’s the most important thing for our participants to have. Because if you don’t have hope, you really don’t have what you need.”
UK researchers partner with Voices of Hope for study on drug use
Feb 06, 2023
Kentucky has the second highest drug overdose death rate in the united states, right behind neighboring West Virginia, according to the CDC. Now, UK researchers want to include those who use drugs or people in recovery to help them further their studies.
Free Narcan available in Kentucky jail's vending machine
Jan 30, 2023
“When people are leaving jail, they’re at a much higher risk of overdose because they’ve been in there maybe like a week or a few days, their tolerance starts to dip down,” Berkshire said. “There’s people who leave jail and overdose and die all the time, so they’re some of the most important people to have that… The value of a life isn’t determined by what substance they put in their body. Every life is valuable and precious.”
Local recovery center Voices of Hope says making Narcan accessible could save even more lives.
November 30, 2022
Local recovery center Voices of Hope says making Narcan accessible could save even more lives. Read MoreHHS Announces Winners of Its First-Ever Behavioral Health Recovery Innovation Challenge
September 28, 2022
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is announcing the winners of its first-ever behavioral health Recovery Innovation Challenge. The goal of this challenge is to identify innovations developed by peer-run or community-based organizations that advance recovery.
Kentucky DOC Announces Partnership with Voices of Hope
September 28, 2022
The Kentucky Department of Corrections (DOC) announced today a partnership with Voices of Hope (VOH) to add peer support recovery coaches to prison-based substance use disorder treatment programs. The coaches will join the team of clinical staff who currently provide treatment services in Kentucky prisons and will use their lived experience to support people suffering with substance use disorder in their recovery.
Kentucky Recovery Center Shares Stories of those lost to Overdose
August 31, 2022
Above an empty chair inside Voices of Hope’s recovery community center in Lexington are the faces of people lost to overdose.
The chalkboard reads, “This chair symbolizes the emptiness felt when we lose a loved one from an overdose.”
Lexington Organization Honors Lives Lost Due to Overdose - Related Deaths
August 27, 2022
An annual event Saturday in Lexington honored the lives of people who died from overdose-related deaths.
Voices of Hope is a recovery community organization. Founders held their ninth annual “Overdose Awareness Day” at Jacobsen Park.
Kentucky Recovery Conference focuses on addressing individual needs to support Kentuckians
June 21, 2022
The Kentucky business, recovery, and education community gathered to discuss hiring, training, and retaining individuals in recovery from substance use disorder at the Kentucky Chamber’s 4th Annual Recovery in the Workplace Conference.
UK Experts Share Their Work Combating Nation's Opioid Crisis at 2022 Rx Summit
April 18, 2022
University of Kentucky experts on the front lines of the nation’s opioid and addiction crises will share their work in the field of opioid use disorder research, treatment, and prevention this week at the 2022 Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit in Atlanta April 18-22.
Life-saving medication for opioid overdoses strategically placed at the Hope Center
April 11, 2022
Special kits with the opioid overdose reversal drug ‘Narcan’ have been installed at the Hope Center locations in Lexington thanks to a partnership with the non-profit ‘Voices of Hope.’
Green Dot program certifies eight area organizations as Green Dot Spots
March 4, 2022
Lexington’s Department of Social Services Green Dot program is recognizing its first Green Dot Spots. Green Dot is nationally recognized violence prevention strategy focused on preventing power-based personal violence – domestic & sexual, stalking, child abuse, and elder abuse.
Narcan: A box of hope for Lexington homeless shelter
February 10, 2022
Advocacy group, ‘Voices of Hope Lex’ sent their mobile unit to donate supplies of Narcan to The Hope Center.
Narcan is like a small box of hope. It is a nasal spray that can quickly block the effects of a drug overdose, and it saves lives in the homeless community.
'The community is in need of this'" Narcan boxes popping up in Richmond
December 3, 2021
As you’ve been out and about in the Richmond area doing your Christmas shopping, you may have seen them They look like the defibrillator box you might see inside an office or business. The Naloxbox program began in Lexington this August, and it’s moved south.
Providing help, and hope, to those struggling with addiction
August 28,2021
This weekend in Lexington, Voices of Hope is helping the community remember those lost to overdose.
This is the 8th annual Overdose Awareness Day here in Lexington.
Voices of Hope hosts Overdose Awareness Day 2021
August 23, 2021
Overdose Awareness Day is Saturday from 10-1 to celebrate recovery and celebrate the lives of those we have lost.
Voices of Hope sponsors distribution of opioid emergency kits to local businesses
August 18, 2021
2020 ended with at least 209 overdose deaths, a record number for the city of Lexington.
Voices of Hope, a Lexington-based non-profit is sponsoring the distribution of “NaloxBoxes” to a dozen local businesses across central Kentucky.
New outreach program serving in local communities
July 24, 2021
A cookout and clothing drive for those in need was held at the Catalina Motel off New Circle Rd. in Lexington Saturday night. Bridge the Gap Lexington didn’t start the cookout outreach until March, but with partnerships like Voices of Hope Lexington and BrightView, events like Saturday are helping between 200-300 people each month.
Voices of Hope, health department partner on garden
June 8, 2021
Voices of Hope, a local Recovery Community Organization, and the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department have partnered on a therapeutic garden for clients.
Both organizations recognize the holistic nature of recovery from substance use disorder, including the importance of physical and mental health and social connection.
Detention Center Partner to Increase Access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder
May 25, 2021
The University of Kentucky’s $87 million HEALing Communities Study has partnered with Voices of Hope and the Madison County Detention Center to increase access to medication for opioid use disorder for people who are being released from the jail.
WATCH The Breakdown | Sam Dick interviews Shelley Elswick, CEO of Voices of Hope
April 22,2021
WATCH The Breakdown | Sam Dick interviews Shelley Elswick, CEO of Voices of Hope
Voices of Hope takes their mission on the road to serve more than 1,000 in the community. “One of the pathways we support is harm reduction. Harm reduction looks at people who might not consider themselves to be in recovery, but they might want want health and wellness, which is really what recovery is.” Shelley Elswick
Voices of Hope Recovery Coach discusses SMART support meetings
April 21, 2021
Tim Burton shares good news about the recovery work he is doing he is doing in Ashland, Kentucky.
Recovery centers get $1.5 million in grants for opioid fight
January 13, 2021
Voices of Hope (VOH) Recovery Community Center in Lexington, which had previously received KORE funding in support of its services, will receive a new round of funding to launch mobile recovery support services to more communities within the Lexington, Frankfort, and Louisville areas.
Addiction Recovery Continues Virtually, Voices of Hope Expands Services
April 29, 2020
Dr. Fallin-Bennett says while there have been challenges, they’ve been able to continue services for those who need them, just with a different approach, “Things are certainly changing in terms of the way we’re delivering during this pandemic.”
Addiction recovery happens in community. COVID-19 is making that very hard.
April 13, 2020
“Coronavirus is scary for all of us, but people with substance use disorders are really vulnerable,” Dr. Amanda Fallin-Bennett said. “Recovery support services rely on connection.”
Voices of Hope, KORE: Recovery Innovations Being Funded In The Bluegrass
July 12,2019
Wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with Voices of Hope in a vibrant blue, Ethan Hawes pushes their straight black hair over a shoulder and starts to work making phone calls under the steady gaze of a plush hedgehog on the corner of the desk. “Hi, this is Ethan calling from Voices of Hope. How are you doing today?”
Voices of Hope's Alex Elswick shares the stage with President Trump
April 24, 2019
A Lexington man shared the stage with President Donald Trump to tell his story of addiction and recovery at a drug abuse summit in Atlanta. The two men spoke at the National Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit on Wednesday.
UK gets largest grant ever: $87 million to cut opioid deaths in 16 Kentucky counties
April 18,2019
Also attending the Washington D.C. press conference was Alex Elswick, a 28-year-old Lexington resident in recovery from heroin addiction who recently started Voices of Hope, a non-profit that helps people with opioid use disorder. Elswick said in his long journey to recovery he was never offered medication assisted therapy.
Voices of Hope Opens New Recovery Center in Downtown Lexington
January 17, 2019
Voices of Hope, a local Recovery Community organization, has opened a Recovery Community Center in downtown Lexington.
Voices of Hope Shares New Employment Readiness Program
November 20, 2018
Dr. Fallin-Bennett of Voices of Hope on Recovery Radio
September 14, 2018
On today’s episode, we will be talking with Amanda Fallin. Amanda will be discussing Voices of Hope, a recovery community organization. She will also be discussing her research about women using tobacco along with a substance use disorder. She is bringing more attention to issues within the recovery field, and letting individuals know how they can become involved with Voices of Hope. To learn more about Amanda Fallin and her talented past, tune in and lets grow in knowledge together.
Hundreds Gather for Annual Overdose Awareness Event
August 25, 2018
Saturday afternoon, out at Jacobson Park, hundreds came together for the 6th Annual Overdose Awareness Event hosted by Voices of Hope. The event has continued to grow over the years, with close to 600 people attending last year alone.
Co-founder, Dr. Amanda Fallin-Bennett, and awesome Voices of Hope volunteer Liz Lewis, RN talk with WTVQ about overdose response.
August 14, 2018
“This year, our observation of Overdose Awareness Day will be Aug 25th at 10 AM at Jacobson Park Shelter #6. The state harm reduction mobile pharmacy and pharmacists will be conducting training on overdose response as well as distributing naloxone.”
Professor, Assistant Professor Receive Award from National Institute on Drug Abuse
July 2, 2018
Kristin Ashford, PhD, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAAN, professor, and Amanda Fallin-Bennett, PhD, RN, assistant professor, received an R34 award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse entitled “Behavioral and Enhanced Perinatal Intervention for Cessation (B-EPIC): Reducing Tobacco use among Opioid Addicted Women.” Read more about why we are proud of our board members!
Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton honors state's volunteers with Governor's service awards
May 30, 2018
Co-Founder Alex Elswick receives a 2018 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award.
“Kentucky is rich with talented volunteers — those who dedicate themselves to helping others. This group represents the finest of that group. We are in awe of their worthy efforts to do whatever it takes to help our families, friends and neighbors.”
Voices of Hope Launches Telephone Recovery Support Program
May 21,2018
Read about a new program that serves as an evidence based peer support service.
UK Spotlight on Recovery
January 08, 2018
Board Member and Co-Founder Alex Elswick will be recognized at the UK basketball game tomorrow for his dedication to promoting long-term recovery.
-Waiting For A Plan: No Action On Opioid Crisis Nearly A Month After Trump’s “Emergency”
September 07, 2017
Board member Steve Shannon discusses the federal government’s response to Trump’s emergency declaration.
5th Annual Overdose Awareness Day
August 26, 2017
“It’s really more about pointing people and educating people towards the resources that are available,” Director of Voices of Hope, Sharon Tankersley said. Motivational speaker and former UK Wildcat Rex Chapman, stopped by Saturday morning to talk about his struggles with addiction. He says event’s such as this one, makes a difference.
Community Partnership Program Helps Women in Recovery Replace Cigarettes with Sweat
July 13, 2017
Co-Founder Dr. Amanda Fallin-Bennett a tobacco control researcher in the UK College of Nursing and a primary investigator on the GFAQ program, partnered with the Chrysalis House to conduct pilot research on the barriers to tobacco treatment and cessation specifically for women in addiction rehabilitation programs.
Language Matters When Talking Addiction
June 22, 2017
Addict? That word is like nails on a chalkboard. Read on to see how we might better refer to people in recovery.
NPR's Conversations From The Lexington StoryCorps Booth
May 09, 2017
Voices Of Hope co-founder, Alex, talks with his mother Shelley Elswick about hitting rock bottom, the toll his addiction took on their family, and the long and rocky road to recovery.
Person in long-term recovery warns about narcotic problem
June 15, 2017
Co-Founder Alex Elswick shares his story and the need for recovery language in Scott County.
Herald Leader Announces GetHelpLex
February 16, 2016
New website helps addicts find treatment in Kentucky. Kentuckians struggling with drug addiction have a new online tool to help them find treatment. GetHelpLex.org is a free interactive website that includes information on 130 Kentucky providers.
Classifying fentanyl analogues emerges as next battle in the perennial 'War on Drugs'
July 9, 2021
“The solution is not to increase penalties or have stricter sentencing. Invariably, that harms people in recovery and harms people who use drugs,” said Alex Elswick, a professor at the University of Kentucky and advocate for people with substance abuse disorders through his non-profit, Voices of Hope.
HEAL, Voices of Hope to Host Transformational Housing Learning Collaborative
June 4, 2021
The University of Kentucky’s HEALing Communities Study and Voices of Hope are teaming upfor a free virtual June Learning Collaborative, “Come as You Are: Transformational Housing.”
Grieving an Overdose: Kentucky Mom Finds Healing
May 3, 2021
Alex Elswick describes Voices of Hope’s grief group as a destigmatized space where family members can come together to talk about and work through the reality of grief they’re dealing with.
Voices of Hope is expanding outreach efforts in Lexington with the addition of a mobile recovery center.
April 22, 2021
“The mobile outreach unit is huge because we get to physically meet people where they are out in the community,” said Amber Ramsay, one of the organization’s recovery coaches.
UK hosting free virtual town hall on consequences of the war on drugs
January 14, 2021
The University of Kentucky and Voices of Hope are sponsoring a free virtual town hall, “Undoing the Harmful Legacy of the War on Drugs: A Focus on Communities of Color,”
The Rebound: Support Line available for loved ones of those battling addiction
May 4, 2020
“Probably the most untold story in recovery is the impact on the families, ” said Doug Bruce, a family support specialist with Lexington’s Voices of Hope.”
Reopening Kentucky: Recovery and Covid-19
April 24, 2020
Larry Fieger, recovery coach for Voices of Hope, joins KET for a discussion about Recovery and Covid-19.
Hope Made Possible: UK and partners across the Commonwealth Forge pathways out of opioid addiction
DECEMBER, 2019
“My name is Alex Elswick. And I’m a person in long-term recovery.” Applause breaks out from the audience of policymakers, federal and state officials, clinicians, justice department representatives, substance use researchers
and treatment staff. Elswick, clean-cut in a light gray suit and blue button-down shirt, is in the spotlight at the 2019 Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit in Atlanta.
Voices of Hope's Program Director participates on panel for State of the Commonwealth
May 5, 2019
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 1,400 Kentuckians suffered opioid-related deaths in 2017, a rate that’s almost double the national average.
Joining us to talk about the crisis: Jerod Thomas, president and CEO of Shepherd’s House; Madison County Judge-Executive Reagan Taylor; Amanda Fallin-Bennett, a researcher at the University of Kentucky and a program director at Voices of Hope; and Van Ingram, the executive director for the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy.
A Major Grant Will Help Many Groups Fight Opioid Epidemic
April 19,2019
Anna Ross and Amanda Fallin-Bennet discuss the $1.5M grant to Voices of Hope and the impact it will have on the community.
Recovery group opens doors to game night, offers free HIV, Hep-C testing
January 29,2019
Voices of Hope, an organization helping people in recovery stay in recovery, aims to create a community. But their recovery coaching sometimes adds a twist… they create a fun atmosphere.
Alex Elswick and Anna Ross Discuss New Recovery Center
January 9, 2019
Lexington Addiction Recovery Community Will Get Federal Dollars
October 11,2018
Thursday, co-founders and board members of Lexington addiction recovery community, Voices of Hope, celebrated a federal grant with Congressman Andy Barr and Van Ingram, Executive Director for the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy.
Voice of Hope Lydia Hall and co-founder of Voices of Hope Alex Elswick talk with WTVQ36 about Telephone Recovery Support
September 3, 2018
We envision a recovery ready community: a community that is informed, stigma-free, and ready to support people in long-term recovery from substance use disorder.
Person in recovery making a difference hosts event Saturday
August 23, 2018
Voices of Hope invites everyone to this family-friendly event to celebrate long-term recovery and learn how to help save lives.
Healthy Times Episode 48: Voices of Hope
July 25, 2018
On this episode, we are joined by Shelley Elswick, co-founder of Voices of Hope, and Chelsea Nolan, a local musician that is performing at Overdose Awareness Day.
AT&T provides Aspire initiative grant for scholarships to Voices of Hope students in long-term recovery
Jun 30th, 2018
“Thanks to AT&T we are in a position to expand our scholarship opportunities for central Kentucky students impacted by addiction,” said Amanda Fallin-Bennett, vice president, Voices for Hope.
Voices of Hope at USDA Roundtable for Opioids
Sometimes People Just Want to be Heard
President's Declaration of Opioid Emergency on Eastern Standard
November 09, 2017
Alex Elswick, co-founder of Voices of Hope Lexington, joined John Hingsbergen today in the studio at 88.9 WEKU. Have a listen!
Voices Of Hope on WEKU
August 24, 2017
On this week’s Eastern Standard we’ll discuss opioid addiction, overdoses and recovery and meet some of the “Voices of Recovery and Hope” in Central Kentucky. Our guests will be: Shelley Elswick, president and co-founder of Voices of Hope; Ashley Evans, scholarship recipient from Voices of Hope, studying to pursue a career as an addiction counselor; and Aaron Payne, reporter covering the opioid epidemic for the Ohio Valley ReSource.
Survivors of substance use disorder herald new Kentucky laws aimed at opioid crisis at Capitol ceremony
August 17, 2017
Co-founder Alex Elswick is invited by Governor Bevin to speak for the signing of senate bill 333.
Elswick family shares story of hope
February 02, 2017
Co-Founders Shelley and Alex Elswick shared their story of hope for recovery from addiction during the Lexington Forum.
Voices of Hope Offers Scholarship to Support Student in Long-term Recovery
March 02, 2017
Voices of Hope, a Lexington-based advocacy group for people impacted by addiction, will award an academic scholarship to a student in long-term recovery who is pursuing post-secondary education in Central Kentucky.
Alex Elswick on panel with US AG Loretta Lynch
SEPTEMBER 20, 2016
Voices Of Hope Co-Founder Alex Elswick makes newpapers across the nation describing his participation on a panel with the United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch.
2016 Overdose Awareness Day
August 27, 2016
Nearly 500 people gathered August 27, 2016 in Jacobson Park. We shared laughter…and tears. We paid tribute to lost loved ones and celebrated those in recovery. What a powerful statement about the value of every single life, and about what happens when communities come together. Thanks to all who played a part!
2015 Overdose Awareness Day
August 27, 2015
Saturday’s event at Jacobson Park will have a live painter, people in recovery speaking about their journeys and a silent memorial walk to a newly planted tree at the park. Shelley Elswick is one of the organizers of Saturday’s event — a part of International Overdose Day. “This is not something that if it was personal to me, I would wake up in the morning and think about it all day,” she said. Elswick’s son, Alex, is now almost two years in recovery from a heroin addiction. “It’s about allowing families who have had to keep their loved ones death under wraps a chance to know that this community grieves with them,” Elswick said. Medical professionals will also be at the event to hand out prescriptions for Narcan, a drug that will reverse the effects of a heroin overdose.