Event shows that recovery community includes everyone
Though he was just beginning a journey that would cover about a mile of Butler, Russ Krolicki cheered and waved his Terrible Towel to hype up the other people on the recovery walk Saturday morning, Sept. 20.
Krolicki, a Butler man representing the Davis Archway Halfway House, said he was so cheerful because he wanted to draw attention to the house and the possibility of recovery. As he put it, the walk is symbolic of where he has been and where he is going on his own recovery journey.
“If I can show others there is a way out, I’ll do everything I can,” Krolicki said.
Butler County Opioid Overdose Coalition held its fifth Gathering of Hope Saturday at Butler Memorial Park. The event is not only for people involved in recovery or another person’s recovery; it’s a community gathering meant to cut down on overdoses as a whole by engaging with all.
Donna Jenereski, director of the Butler County Drug and Alcohol Program, said a community that decreases stigma around addiction encourages those who are in recovery and helps them to reclaim freedom from a substance use disorder.
“I think we’re seeing movement in the perception,” she said at the walk. “This is basically to celebrate recovery, show everyone that we value them, and they are a part of our community.”
Tents populated the park, each housing an activity for children and adults or information from nonprofit organizations there to spread the word about resources in the area. The walk started at around 10:30 a.m., which took people around the park and through some of the streets in the north end of Butler, and it was followed by a guided meditation session and speakers later in the day.
According to Jenereski, education has become the main tool in the fight against overdoses. Education reduces stigma and helps people become aware of the risks around them, she said in talking about prescription drugs and how they can lead to dependence.
Jenereski said the coalition also aims to teach people where they can safely dispose of drugs and how to use Narcan.
Jenereski said deaths from overdose are lower this year compared to the same time in 2024. However, that statistic change quickly.
“Over one weekend, that number could go up,” Jenereski said. “We try to do education. We try to always share information on how to talk to people.”
The coalition meets once a month to discuss the state of overdoses in the county.
One of the opioid overdose coalition’s goals is to ensure all individuals in Butler County have access to a supportive recovery community. The organization also has four other strategic goals that aim to reduce overdose deaths. Krolicki said he and other people with and living at the Davis Archway Halfway House attend many recovery-related events in Butler County. He tries to get to as many as possible to build the recovery community.
“I’m here to support the people here in recovery,” Krolicki said.
The Butler County Drug & Alcohol Program can be reached for assessment, information and referral to substance use disorder or addiction treatment at 724-284-5114. The Butler County Crisis Line can also be reached by calling 800-292-3866.
