West Virginia Memorial Walk Honors Lives Lost to Addiction

The Parkersburg Memorial Walk returns to Parkersburg for the 11th time on October 17 so families in West Virginia remember loved ones lost to alcoholism and drug addiction. The free event runs in the afternoon at the City Park bandshell. No need to register.

The founders themselves are in recovery. They started the walk to give grieving families a space to heal. It has grown into one of the region’s largest annual gatherings on addiction and draws 1,000+ folks every year.

An Afternoon Built Around Memory and Hope

The event opens with family members sharing stories about loved ones who they’ve lost and the impact addiction and co-occurring disorders like depression has had on their lives. Participants then stroll around the park to rally against addiction.

After the walk, speakers in recovery take the stage to share experiences. It shows a bright spot of hope and change. Live music and community speakers run throughout the day. Free food is also available.

Organizers say the event is especially meaningful for kids who’ve lost family members to addiction. Many attend wearing shirts featuring their loved one’s photos to turn the walk into a celebration of life.

Resource Tables Connect Families With Treatment

It’s not just about remembrance. Representatives of treatment facilities, outpatient programs and inpatient programs also attend to hand out info. Guests can visit and chat, learn about services and therapy for themselves or someone they love.

Reducing Stigma One Walk at a Time

Organizers hope the event not only honors those who have died but also chips away at the stigma that keeps people from seeking help. People with addiction are “good human beings” who need support and a chance to get back on track.

Treatment in The Mountain State & Beyond

The walk is one day, but recovery is possible every day of the year.

Get started in your community by locating treatment centers that can handle multiple conditions and customize care plans. Our browsable directory offers verified locations throughout the USA.

You can also dial an expert by calling 800-908-4823 (Sponsored) to explore local options.

Author

Eric Owens

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Eric Owens has been a writer and editor for various businesses as well as his own successful websites. He has extensive experience creating content in the health and wellness space and the sustainability space. He holds a bachelor degree in Philosophy which helped him with presenting complex information in a simple way that all audiences can understand.

Editor

Peter Lee, PhD

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Peter W.Y. Lee is a writer and historian of American history during the Cold War. His primary focus is the relationship between youth and popular culture and its impact on U.S. society during the twentieth century. He has published widely on how the public has used popular culture as a mechanism to address political and social shifts throughout time