Community gathers in Kinston to honor lives lost on Overdose Awareness Day
Dozens gathered outside Gordon Street Christian Church this week to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, honoring loved ones lost and calling for compassion and action in the fight against substance use disorder.
Former Judge Beth Heath, director of the Community Recovery Division of the Lenoir and Greene County Public Health Department, opened the event by reminding the crowd that while Aug. 31 is officially Overdose Awareness Day, organizers chose to come together early to begin a monthlong focus on recovery.
“Substance use affects everybody. It is not about race, gender, culture or income. It touches us all,” Heath said. Purple flags were placed to represent community members lost to overdose, and white flags bearing names, prayers and personal messages were added by participants.
Among the speakers was Jayda Sugg, a mother and graduate of both the adult and family recovery court programs, who now advocates for recovery. Her words drew quiet reflection from the audience.
“Behind every statistic is a real person, a life full of dreams, laughter, pain and potential,” Sugg said. “We honor those we lost not just with sorrow, but with truth. Addiction is not weakness, it is illness. Recovery is not simple, it is a fight.”
Colleen Kosinski, community liaison for the Recovery Center, shared the story of Jason Taylor, who died of an overdose in 2023 shortly after being released from jail. His mother, Barbara Grady, was unable to attend but asked that his story be told.
“When folks come out of jail or treatment, their tolerance has changed,” Kosinski said. “If there’s not resources like our recovery center and reentry program, the chances of overdose are very, very high.”
The service also included prayers from the Rev. Dr. Laura Wood, senior minister at Gordon Street Christian Church, who led a blessing as flags were placed in memory of those who died, and music from the Rev. Dr. George Fuller.
Organizers emphasized that remembrance must also be a call to action — to end stigma, support recovery, and ensure resources are available for those reentering the community.
“We remember. We raise awareness. And we commit to change,” Sugg told the crowd.
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