An event to educate the community about the dangers of opioid overdose is planned for Mayes County this weekend, coinciding with International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31.

People like Catherine Robbins said they wanted to raise awareness about the opioid problem in Mayes County because they had experienced the effects of an overdose firsthand.

Each butterfly in the Mayes County Courthouse represents ten people who died from drug overdoses.

Robbins said her mother overdosed several times but survived. However, Robbins has met friends and acquaintances who did not.

“In the last six months alone, four friends and acquaintances that I knew have died of an overdose, and they were all fentanyl,” Robbins said. “That’s the most important thing we want to bring to attention, because fentanyl use is very high here in Mayes County.”

Pryor Creek Police Chief Jeremy Cantrell said educational events like the one to be held Saturday at the Mayes County Courthouse can save lives.

He said police receive a lot of calls about overdoses, most of which are not fatal. Still, it is a big problem. Cantrell said he has known many people who have overdosed.

“I’ve been in law enforcement for 24 years. I’ve worked with people I went to school with who died from opioid overdoses, and we all had family members who struggled with it,” Cantrell said. “You know, I’m no different than anyone else.”

On Saturday at 5 p.m. in the Mayes District Court there will be an opportunity to learn more about the support services available for people with opioid addiction.