BREWER, Maine — When the Bangor City Council approved equipping police with opioid overdose antidote Narcan last month, Councilor Ben Sprague questioned whether the anti-toxin would have helped William Symonds, who overdosed on heroin and died the week before.
Symonds, 22, a 2012 Bangor High School graduate, played soccer and was on the swim team. He later joined the U.S. Army Reserves, until a wrist injury sidetracked him and started him on a path to addiction that no one expected.
The Bangor Area Recovery Network is honoring Symonds and all people — users, loved ones and friends — affected by opioid abuse with a candlelight vigil and Circle of Caring challenge at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Doyle Field.
“We hope to encircle those suffering from opioid use disorder and their families with care, support and kindness,” Sheri Quatrale, BARN board of directors chairwoman, said in a news release. “Substance abuse, particularly opioid addiction, has adversely changed the landscape of our community. Heroin use is at an all-time high with deadly consequences. It has prematurely ended young lives, torn apart the fabric that holds families together, increased crimes and victimization and brought with it unsustainable social costs in health care, mortality and criminal justice.
“This truly is an epidemic that requires action,” she said.
The social media campaign Circle of Caring was launched by the Community Health Leadership Board, which is a group of health care providers, hospitals and the city leaders, at the May 25 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce’s Early Bird Breakfast.
With the Circle of Caring challenge, participants draw or create a circle with friends, loved ones or co-workers, sometimes holding hands, and post the picture or video on Facebook with #CaringCircle. Those interested in donating to help support those affected by opioid addiction can visit the Community Health Leadership Board’s website, bangorchlb.org.
The event is a way to bring together all segments of the community to stand united against drug addiction. Members of Symonds’ family and his church are expected to attend, Quatrale said.
“We ask that you give about 30 minutes of your time to stand with us in this cause, because together we can make a difference,” she said.