Veteran to hold vigil for families impacted by drug overdoses and suicide
Navy veteran Mike Loomis and wife Lorie choose to deal with the pain of losing a child to a drug overdose in 2021 by reaching out to other families. The couple is hosting “A Night of Remembrance” for those lost to overdose and suicide on Nov. 19th from 6pm to 8pm on the steps of the old courthouse. Luminaries will be furnished to those mentioned during the program.
The Loomises are hosting this with their own funds. Drug recovery and suicide prevention are two areas of mental health Mike says desperately need attention. “I have dealt with my own family with addiction and suicide attempts and watched how the drugs and mental health tie in,” the former sailor said. “I had to give up my military career due to my mother being hospitalized due to mental health when she had a nervous breakdown and tried suicide.”
Fliers have been distributed to friends and family members across the county and state. Guest speakers are still being confirmed, according to Loomis.
Loomis said the group is hosting the vigil this in honor of friends and families that have been affected due to all the lives lost. “I am tired of all the lives lost due to the connection to THESE horrible conditions,” Loomis lamented. “I will fight for the care of those with mental health issues and addiction. Let's never forget those lost.”
Please RSVP FAMILY MEMBERS AND/ OR FRIENDS TO US @ RACE AGAINST DRUGS ON FACEBOOK OR CONTACT US @336-313-1913 OR 336-731-0048
