A poetry event later this month is set to be the latest installment of an ongoing exhibition that aims to call attention to the persistent problem of substance use disorders and the devastating impact of fentanyl overdoses in San Bernardino and the nation.
The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health in collaboration with the Garcia Center for the Arts and Arts Connection announced “a poignant and powerful poetry event” that’s part of the ongoing “Into Light” exhibition, a vehicle for fostering “addiction awareness, empathy and action through the arts,” according to a county statement.
Local poets and spoken-word artists will share heartfelt and thought-provoking writings and oratory in an effort to address “the personal and communal toll of substance use disorders,” officials said. “Through their words, they will bring to life the struggles, hopes, and resilience of those affected by these issues, offering a platform for voices that are often unheard.”
The poetry event is set for Saturday, July 26 from 6-8 p.m. at the Garcia Center for the Arts, 536 W. 11th St. in San Bernardino.
The “Into Light” exhibit serves as the backdrop for the poetry presentation.
Event organizers said the “nationally recognized exhibit … features hand-drawn portraits and deeply personal narratives of individuals lost to substance use disorder” and opioid overdose. “The exhibit shines a light on their humanity, challenging stigma and creating space for compassion, conversation, and change.”
County Behavioral Health Director Dr. Georgina Yoshioka said in a statement,“We believe that art has the power to heal and to bring people together. This poetry event is an opportunity for our community to come together, to listen, and to support one another as we confront the challenges posed by substance use disorders and fentanyl overdoses.”
The event is free and open to the public, with registration online at eventcreate.com/e/illuminatingvoices.
“By participating, attendees will not only experience the transformative power of poetry, but also contribute to a broader conversation about substance use disorders and the urgent need for solutions,” county officials observed.
