On what would have been Matt Adams' 32nd birthday, the Matt Adams Memorial Foundation hosts a benefit concert at George's Majestic Lounge to combat the opioid epidemic, support recovery and raise awareness.
"We want people to know it's present," says Brittany Kelly of the opioid crisis. Kelly is Adams' sister and one of the four co-founders -- along with Adams' mother, fiancé and another sister -- of the foundation. "Matt loved everyone he ever talked to, he helped people all the time. It was something we wanted to continue on, is to carry out his legacy, just reach out to people to get them through hard times. That's what our foundation is about."
FAQ
Enigma:
Matt Adams Memorial Benefit
WHEN — 7 p.m. today
WHERE — George’s Majstic Lounge in Fayetteville
COST — $12-$15
INFO — mattadamsfoundation… or email info@mattadamsfound…
FYI — The number for the anonymous Northwest Arkansas hotline is 479-222-0532.
More than 130 people die each day from an opioid overdose, the Department of Health and Human Services estimates. The Matt Adams Foundation is focused on harm reduction and spreading awareness as their organization continues to grow.
In the last eight weeks alone, the foundation has given out more than 300 overdose rescue kits containing Naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug. They've also partnered with the Central Arkansas Harm Reduction Project out of Little Rock and launched the first Northwest Arkansas confidential hotline where anyone can anonymously call or text to request a free Naloxone kit. All proceeds from the concert will support the foundation's efforts to provide free harm reduction resources like the kits and financial aid for treatment.
"Eventually, our goal is to get enough funding to get people through recovery and get them the recovery they're needing," Kelly explains. "Not just outpatient services, but a rehab facility-type. But right now, little things we can do is the harm reduction."
NAN What's Up on 05/19/2019