RICE LAKE, Wis. (WRN) — This weekend, a local event aims to raise awareness of the fentanyl crisis.
On Saturday, the River Church in Rice Lake will be hosting Wisconsin’s first Walk for Lives event. Walk for Lives is put on across the country by United Against Fentanyl, a nonprofit organization that focuses on combating and raising awareness about the synthetic drug crisis.
Rice Lake co-host Rhonda Shaefer says the event is for those whose lives have been affected by any drugs, fentanyl or otherwise.
“This event is focused on anyone that struggles with substance use, anyone that’s lost someone to an overdose. Whether it’s fentanyl or another type of drug, we’re here to support,” Shaefer said.
Shaefer also stresses the need for resources in the area.
“We don’t have a huge amount of support in the community, with regard to sober living homes or treatment centers. You know, we don’t have a lot of places for people to go. So we want to raise awareness,” she said.
Walk for Lives takes place from 12 until 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at the River Church. The event features a 2.5-mile walk, speakers, free narcan, and food donated from area businesses.
The event is free, but donations are appreciated. For more details, search for “Walk for Lives Rice Lake” on Facebook.