EBPC, a Certified Recovery Congregation through the TN Dept of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Department-Faith Initiatives Division, is partnering with community organizations for a late afternoon/evening to bring awareness to substance misuse and other mental health-related issues impacting individuals and families in Middle Tennessee. This continues the “Breaking the Silence” series of community events that were developed from 2017.  It is EBPC’s hope that attendees will leave this event empowered with new insights and focused on some action steps that they might take to make a difference over the next 365 days.

Here are the links to the Reflections of Hope and Healing Program and Community Organizations Directory.  There will be written copies onsite while supplies last.

Background of IOAD: (https://www.overdoseday.com)

International Overdose Awareness Day began in Australia in 2001 as an annual campaign to end
overdose, destigmatize ones who died from it and recognize the tremendous grief of the families and
friends left behind.  It is meant to stimulate both discussions and actionable policies to reduce
the future deaths from one of the world’s worst public health crises.  The movement’s goals include:

• Provide an opportunity for public mourning without fear of being guilted or shamed.

• Provide community members with information about the issue of fatal and non-fatal overdose.

• Send the message to those struggling with substance misuse disorder that they are valued.

• Stimulate discussion about overdose prevention and drug policy

• Provide basic information on available support services

• Prevent and reduce drug-related harm by supporting evidence-based policy and practice.

• To inform people around the world about the risk of overdose.

Timeline for the Event:

From 4:30-6:15 PM Participants Will Have the Opportunity to:

• Interact with dozens of representatives from community organizations offering materials and other information on resources available to those impacted by substance misuse and mental health issues.

• Sign up to attend a Naloxone Training Workshop (5:15-6:00 PM) hosted by the Williamson Prevention Coalition in the Church Sanctuary

• Visit the Outdoor Reflections Arts Gallery in the campus “Grove,” featuring works created by artists, photographers, and poets (including local high school students) who have been inspired by this year’s theme, “Reflections of Hope and Healing” and a tribute to those lost as well as ones still struggling, and others impacted by these issues.  

• Grab some dinner from 2 Girls N' A Hot Dog’s Food Truck and an icy treat from Retro Sno.

From 6:15-8:30 PM:

There will be a staged show with speakers and musical performances that will comfort, inspire, and unite the community to make a difference in the coming year.  The current line-up includes Dr. Stephen Loyd (whose own life story was immortalized by Michael Keaton in the HBO series “Dopesick”) and Dr. Monty Burks with the State of Tennessee’s Faith Based Initiatives as well as other powerful testimonials that reflect the many ways that individuals and organizations are working in the community to curb the overdose epidemic.

A Candlelight Tribute honoring those lost to drug overdoses and in support of ones still struggling or others impacted by substance misuse and mental health issues will close the evening. You are encouraged to bring a photo of someone that you would like to remember or honor during this portion of the program.

Unboxed:

When: Sunday, August 27th , 6:15-8:00 PM

Where: Brentwood United Methodist Church https://bumc.net/

What: A night on mental health in partnership with Healing Housing.
The BUMC Student Ministry welcomes parents, students,
and the community for this special night of hope.

Why this Matters:

BUMC is kicking off International Overdose Awareness Week with "Unboxed" which is modeled after the "Breaking the Silence" series that East Brentwood Presbyterian Church initiated in 2017. There will be a panel discussion about the unique pressures that our youth are under at this time, the manifestations from these pressures, and ways to address it in our families and communities. Afterwards, there will be separate break-out sessions where the youth and parents can speak openly with their peers and experts, ask questions and get more specific information. If you are a parent of a teen or work with youth, you are invited to attend this very timely event as part of the weeklong emphasis on mental health awareness.

Ways to Get Involved:

Let us Know that You Plan to Attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intl-overdose-awareness-day-mid-tn-2023-reflections-of-hope-healing-tickets-642519762907 

Community Organizations:  If you have an organization that offers resources for those impacted by substance misuse or mental health issues and would like to have a table at the event with a representative, please download and return this registration form by August 7.

To Submit an exhibit piece, please complete this form and follow the submission form instructions Deadline to submit the form is August 17th.

Podcast: Reflections of Hope and Healing, Part 1

East Brentwood Presbyterian Church's Pastor John Hilley invites two incredible people who have helped hundreds of individuals and families navigate addiction and recovery. Join us as Tracey Levine of Healing Housing ( www.healinghousing.org) and Jaime Gibbons of Integrative Life Center (www.integrativelifecenter.com) share a wealth of wisdom around addressing misconceptions, barriers, and resources in this time when we are losing a generation of people due to mental health disorders and substance misuse. If you are a leader in a church community or if you are an individual who struggles with addiction and has faced religious trauma, Jaime and Tracey provide wise and accepting words of advice. Their organizations are just two of the 30 community organizations that will be available at the IOAD Middle TN 2023 overdose awareness event, hosted by EBPC, on August 31st with representatives and info on available mental health and substance misuse-related services.

Become an IOAD Middle TN 2023 Benefactor:

If you are interested in supporting this event and future events like this one, please consider donating to EBPC’s Mission and Outreach Fund to help offset the costs of hosting this event. Donations can be sent to EBPC through one of the following ways.  Please specify “IOAD 2023” in the Memo Section:

• Check to EBPC sent to “Finance Office 9000 Concord Road, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027”

• VENMO to @EastBrentwoodPC

• Text “EBPC” followed by your donation amount to 73256

• Online via EBPC’s website:  www.ebpctn.org/ways-to-give  

Thank you in advance for your consideration and your token of generosity to support a community event that potentially could save lives.

Creative?

Create a piece (artwork, photography, or poetry) to display in the Outdoor Reflections Arts Gallery inspired by this year’s theme, “Reflections of Hope and Healing.”  Please download this informational brochure and contact Lindsey Hinds-Brown at lindseyhinds@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.

Like to Sing?  Join us in “A World in Harmony” If you are interested in singing with a grassroots community choir on this original piece that placed as a Top Ten Finalist in the 2022 “Road to Nashville” international songwriting contest out of 20K submissions, please submit the attached form to Nate Strasser by August 15th. 

Volunteer to help with logistics leading up to and on the day of event.  Please contact Liz Beatty at aybeatty@comcast.net for more information.

• Pre-event Volunteer Sign Up

• Day of event Volunteer Sign Up

EBPC is located at the corner of Concord Road and Wilson Pike in the heart of Brentwood.  You can enter the campus from either Wilson Pike or Concord Road.  There are parking spaces throughout the property and limited parking next to the historic barn near the Concord Road entrance.  Carpooling is encouraged.  Please bring a lawn chair or blanket as seating will be limited.  

In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved into the building.

Please follow the "Breaking the Silence Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080769849709 for ongoing substance misuse disorders and mental health issues awareness-related information and event notifications.