JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day and Saturday morning at Jacksonville Beach dozens came out for a ‘Beaches Memorial Walk’ to bring attention to overdose deaths and remember those who have been lost.
Over 4 years ago, Chandler Cook died of an overdose.
Now his memory lives on through Chandler’s Hope Clothes Closet, a nonprofit started by his mom that provide clothing and other basic items for those in need.
“Chandler was the type of person that loved to give back, even though he had a substance use disorder and addiction," Michele Holbrook said. “We will take the clothes trailer and allow them to come in and go shopping. It gives them a purpose and it gives them a dignity and that’s something that’s important to me. Because they’re still someone’s child, or someone’s brother, or someone’s sister."
Chandler was one of many stories told Saturday morning at the Sea Walk Pavilion during the Beaches Memorial Walk.
Hundreds took to the beach, including Margo Weisblat, who lost her brother over 10 years ago. Now, she helps organize walks like this to bring awareness to the epidemic.
“As a community, we can help to prevent the number of overdose deaths and then also just providing resources for those who are struggling and for families who have been left behind," Weisblat said.
The event was put on in partnership with Project Opioid, Florida Poison Control and the Community Action Coalition.
Multiple community partners including JSO and addiction resource organizations gave out free information on substance abuse resources. Organizers also provided a demonstration on the proper use of Narcan and a free box of the life saving tool to participants.
“It can affect any one and it affects way more than just the person using drugs, you know these are people’s children, families members friends and I would love for the community to come together and help prevent the number of deaths," Weisblat said.