Weber County using art installations in fight against opioid addiction

WASHINGTON TERRACE — Four Weber County communities are joining forces in the fight against the effects the coronavirus pandemic is having on an already serious problem: opioid addiction.

Garbage cans that don’t open or hold trash, benches that you can’t sit on, and tables you can’t eat at — that’s the point of the bright orange displays found at parks throughout Weber County.

The written message on all of these inoperable items: “It’s not your best option.” Neither is opioid abuse.

Yet, Utah has ranked top 10 in the nation for opioid overdose deaths in the last 10 years, according to health.Utah.gov.

Weber County has one of the highest adult opioid overdose rates in the state.

That’s why the Bonneville Communities that Care Coalition along with the state’s opioid prevention campaign, Use Only as Directed, is fighting back within the cities of Washington Terrace, South Ogden, Riverdale and Uintah by bringing awareness to parks throughout the county with these eye-catching displays.

“It’s been a stressful time for all of us, and of course this is a great time to remind people: Don’t get hooked on prescription drugs, don’t get hooked on opioids,” said Washington Terrace Mayor Mark Allen. “Six days, seven days you can be hooked on opioids, and I know this is a stressful time. Thank goodness we are able to get out and do some things now, and this is a great example.”

The underlying message is you do have a choice, and there are alternatives. It starts by talking with a medical professional for help and exploring your options. You are not alone.

For more information about this campaign, go to www.useonlyasdirected.org.

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