Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) Rural Opioid Initiative, in partnership with Mid-MO Addiction Awareness Group (MAAG) held a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) awareness walk over the weekend in downtown Linn. 

The walk was held to promote opioid use disorder education, identify prevention strategies, and increase awareness of the epidemic that opioid abuse has caused in communities across the country. 

The walk began at Legends Bank Park on Main Street and proceeded to Linn Printing where walkers had a break before traveling back to the starting point.

“Those who lose their lives to opioids are only a small portion of those who suffer from Substance Use Disorder, and it has a tremendous impact on families and communities,” said Bonnie Prigge, executive director of MRPC in a press release. “The purpose of the walk is making others aware of SUD in our communities as MRPC and its partners look for solutions that will aid with prevention, treatment, and recovery.”

“SUD awareness walks bring light to the issue of Substance Use Disorder to the communities where they take place,” said Christa Harmon, MRPC community development specialist assistant in a press release. “We walk together, not ashamed of our loved ones who suffer from SUD. We walk together to be a voice for those who have lost their lives due to overdose. We walk together to show recovery can happen.”