Hamilton's Hope Over Heroin rally turns into celebration of sobriety.
Heroin has taken a terrible toll on Butler County in 2014 -- the drug is responsible for 46 deaths as of Friday, the Butler County Coroner's Office confirmed. That number is about 15 percent higher than at this point last year.
About 30 local churches came out for the rally's first night to help any addict who wants assistance to break free. Along with food and live music, they are providing counselors and recovery help to thousands of people seeking support.
"We believe there is hope for the drug problem," Pastor Jason Johnson of Grace Chapel of Praise said. "There is hope for the heroin epidemic, there is a life after addiction.
Hope Over Heroin began at 7 p.m. Friday, the start of a weekend full of concerts, prayer and fight against addiction. The parking lot across from McDonald's on High Street was transformed into celebration in which people cheered on those who needed it most.
Saundra Willis has been fighting addiction for 18 years. Now proudly sober, she works as a nurse and counselor.
"From 1998 to 2003, I didn't draw a sober breath," she told WCPO reporter John Genovese. "Today I'm celebrating six months and two and a half weeks."
Her parents were addicts, too, but her father, Pastor Josh Willis kicked off Friday's event.
Tony Couch said he's been sober for three years, after losing three kids to foster care because of his addiction. Their mother overdosed.
"I was only out of treatment for 11 days," he said. "But I stayed sober."
Jodi Thomas celebrated her sobriety, as well. She is grateful for each and every day -- all 138 of them.
"I think when I was in active use, I wasn't a person anymore," she said.
No matter how many sober days they've accumulated, folks at Hope Over Heroin said even one sober day is a start worth celebrating. They hope their success stories of winning the addiction battle can inspire others to take on the fight, be fierce and be strong.
Hope Over Heroin continues at 7 p.m. Saturday and ill wrap up Sunday at 6 p.m. with a prayer march through downtown Hamilton.
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