Walk Away From Drugs

Date: October 23, 2024

Location: Rotary Park, Lake Havasu City

Walk Away From Drugs raises awareness of substance use prevention, treatment By LA’ERICA CONNER-SIMS Today’s News-Herald Oct 23, 2024 Mayor Cal Sheehy issues a proclamation at the 5th Annual Walk Away From Drugs event that took place in October 2023. Walk Away From Drugs hosts its sixth annual walk on Thursday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The event meets at Rotary Park Ramada A and features many drug prevention and treatment resources. The annual Walk Away From Drugs celebrates its sixth year on Thursday, says Program Manager Ricarda DeAnda of Arizona Youth Partnership and the Young Adult Development Association of Havasu. The walk highlights the community’s effort to connect residents with relevant resources. DeAnda adds that the event promotes a “Drug-Free LHC” with support from numerous organizations. Partnering organizations include Oxford House, Celebrate Recovery, Community Medical Services, and Southwest Behavioral and Health Services, plus more. “It is very important to stand together as a community,” she said. “We aim to educate and support individuals to prevent the use and misuse of substances, and the development of substance use disorders.” Banding together to bring awareness is a primary goal. The objective aligns with YADAH’s mission, which DeAnda explains as empowering and enriching Havasu’s youth and families. She aims to create accessible resources for attendees through Thursday’s walk. “We have several youth volunteers who aid in our prevention efforts, as we know how important it is to educate young people about this topic,” she said. As a free event, DeAnda says up to 200 people have participated in past years. Event registration is not required, and no fees are needed for vendors, she added. “We aim to reduce the stigma associated with substance use so that individuals can make it a topic that can be discussed openly and get the resources they need,” DeAnda said. Thursday’s event begins at 4 p.m. and welcomes attendees to Rotary Park. Mayor Cal Sheehy will present a proclamation while walkers line up at 4:30 p.m. DeAnda says the Lake Havasu City Police Department will lead walkers on a 1.61-mile path. The walk follows along the Bridgewater Channel and under the London Bridge. Havasu restaurant La Carcacha will provide complimentary hot dogs and refreshments once walkers return. DeAnda adds that DJ Azteca will greet walkers with live music. A second-generation Havasu native will appear as a guest speaker, says DeAnda. Resident Doug Hunter will share his story with walkers, detailing past struggles. Hunter says he was contacted by a person who felt inspired after hearing his story. He was then asked about speaking at Thursday’s walk, to which he agreed. “Last year I attended and I knew that I wanted to be more involved with events like this so I was happy to agree to speak,” Hunter said. He adds that a booth for his Streethearts ministry team will be set up. Attendees who visit his booth can receive prayer and guidance, and speak with available members. “I will be sharing some of my story and some encouraging words about how I was able to completely transform my life,” Hunter added. “My hope is that I inspire some people and plant some seeds just like a seed was planted in me that changed my life.” Hunter’s speaking slot is scheduled for 5:45 p.m., following Thursday’s raffle drawings. The drawings include gift certificates for Stubby’s Red Wagon BBQ. DeAnda adds that voting will take place for Red Ribbon Week poster contest winners. The contest features 4th and 5th grade classes from Telesis Preparatory Academy. The posters showcase drug-free prevention messages designed by the students. “We want to welcome all community members to stand in solidarity against drugs,” DeAnda explained. “Whether you are a person who is struggling with addiction or in treatment/recovery, any individual whose life has been touched in some way by the adverse effects of addiction, or if you are an individual that wants to show support in the prevention of drug use and promote a drug-free community.” Walk Away from Drugs begins at 4 p.m. at Rotary Park’s Ramada A, off the Smoketree Avenue entrance. Walking starts at 5 p.m. and is free to participate.

Impact: Over 200 attendees participated in the annual Walk Away From Drugs event, receiving educational resources and support for substance use prevention.