Amanda Smith was 25 years old when her drug addiction started.

She overdosed 14 times and watched the love of her life, Dion Smith Jr., pass away from an overdose in May 2020. Through a support network that included the Celebrate Recovery program at Blue Mountain Community Church in Palmerton, she found purpose and turned her life around.

“It got to a point where I was getting Narcan and I was mad that it kept working,” Amanda said. “Thank God it did work. My life is nothing short of amazing now and it’s all because of God.”

Amanda’s story was just one shared Tuesday night when Celebrate Recovery and the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission hosted an International Overdose Awareness Day service at BMCC.

“I think it’s important that the community comes together to help break the stigma and show there is hope and healing out there,” certified recovery specialist Karalyn Williams said. “There is help available. We don’t want these overdoses to continue. We’re going to battle this, and when you come to our door, whether you’re insured or uninsured, we’re going to be there to help. That’s our main priority.”

Tuesday’s event featured a slideshow of people who passed away from an overdose.

Williams reflected on the life of Justin King, the subject of state Rep. Doyle Heffley’s proposed “Justin’s Law,” which would require drug recovery houses to notify a resident’s emergency contact at least once within 12 hours when the resident self-discharges or leaves and fails to return.

“Each person that dies of an overdose is close to someone and is loved by someone,” Williams said. “I’m very passionate about our cause as I am in long-term recovery myself. So many people out there didn’t have the chance for recovery and I feel like I need to be the voice for them.”

Jami Haja of Palmerton spoke of her recovery from heroin addiction and the loss of her sister Mysty Nelson to an overdose last year.

“I’m two years clean now,” Haja said. “There were times I didn’t think recovery was possible for me. Only by the grace of God am I here today.”

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.

“Overdose can be a touchy subject and so we’re really happy with the participation here tonight,” Williams said. “I think this does show that the community is coming together and we’re not just going to accept the overdose numbers that we see. We’re going to create a support system and help people get treatment and help them recover.”

Smith, one of the first participants through the Carbon County Drug Court after the program was established, credited it with helping put her on the right path.

“For any addict seeking out recovery, that program is a dream come true,” she said. “I needed that guidance and that support. When you’re getting clean, you can’t do it alone.”

Following the service, attendees went outside the church for a candlelight vigil and butterfly release. Williams said the butterfly release honors the memory of loved ones lost to overdose.