End Heroin walk raising awareness on US epidemic

Addiction to opioids, including heroin and painkillers, is a national epidemic. And Birmingham nonprofit Addiction Prevention Coalition is fighting back. The APC will seek to raise awareness of the epidemic and provide hope for those affected by hosting its third annual End Heroin Bham Walk at Railroad Park on Feb. 23.

Check-in and registration begin at 9 a.m. and the walk at 10 a.m. A portion of the proceeds will pay for substance-abuse treatment scholarships.

In 2018, about 4,000 people attended the walk, which is “moving, emotional, loving and filled with hope,” said Carie Wimberly, APC director of operations. Many attendees have been touched by addiction, according to Wimberly. “There are parents, friends, family members of those who struggle or who have passed away, as well as those who are in recovery and those who are seeking recovery,” she sad. 

The event will feature speakers, including Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, as well as treatment and recovery resources, music and food trucks.

Registration is $20 in advance or $25 the day of the event. Participants who don’t want T-shirts or “‘I am Walking for” lanyards can walk for free. Walkers can choose to form fundraising walk teams.

For details, go to endheroin.org.