Huntsville, Alabama, August 24, 2025
News Summary
The 8th Annual End Addiction HSV Walk took place at Big Spring Park in Huntsville, Alabama, honoring lives lost to addiction and promoting recovery. Organized by Not One More Alabama (NOMA), the event created a supportive environment for participants, raising over $12,000 for addiction awareness and resilience initiatives. Key activities included motivational speeches, a ‘Circle of Hope’ activity, and the formation of a recovery circle. NOMA highlighted the importance of community in overcoming addiction and plans for future events to continue this crucial mission.
Huntsville Hosts 8th Annual End Addiction Walk to Honor Lives Lost and Promote Recovery
The 8th Annual End Addiction HSV Walk took place on Saturday morning at Big Spring Park in Huntsville, Alabama. Hosted by Not One More Alabama (NOMA), this event aimed to honor the lives lost to addiction and promote recovery.
NOMA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families dealing with the effects of addiction, organized the event as a free opportunity for connection, healing, and hope. Participants represented a diverse group, including those grieving losses, individuals supporting loved ones in recovery, and people celebrating their recovery milestones.
During the walk, flags were planted to commemorate the 1,100 individuals who tragically lost their lives to drug overdose. Motivational speakers shared their personal stories of recovery, highlighting the ongoing struggles and triumphs faced by those dealing with addiction. Volunteer Marcie Lewis, who lost her sister to addiction, emphasized the importance of community connection in these challenging times.
The event also included an engaging “Circle of Hope” activity led by board member Carla Bugg, where participants counted down their recovery milestones. Attendees gathered to support one another, fostering an environment of solidarity within the community.
Throughout the event, seven fundraising teams successfully raised over $12,000 collectively. Notably, one of the teams raised more than $3,000 in memory of Dylan, who died from an overdose at the age of 23. The funds generated will aid in reducing the stigma surrounding addiction and enhancing community awareness of the impact of substance abuse.
Before the walk commenced, participants formed a “recovery circle,” representing a unified front of shared hope and support. For future events, NOMA announced that local singer/songwriter Katie Tidmore will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2025 event, sharing her experiences with addiction and recovery. Additionally, a pre-event titled “Fuel for the Soul” will take place on August 22, 2025, featuring a performance by Tidmore and a showcase of vintage cars. Tickets for this pre-event are available for $20 per person on Eventbrite.
NOMA also stressed the significance of equipping the community with life-saving tools, such as naloxone, and engaging in educational outreach programs. NOMA Family Programs Coordinator Beth McAnally highlighted the extensive impact of addiction on families, reiterating the necessity for comprehensive support structures. The organization strives to remind everyone affected by addiction that they are not alone in their battles and that support is available to help navigate through these difficult times.
Background on NOMA and the End Addiction Walk
Not One More Alabama was founded to bring awareness and understanding to the challenges posed by addiction. The End Addiction Walk serves as a gathering point for the community to come together, share their experiences, celebrate recovery, and emphasize the importance of understanding addiction as a public health issue rather than a moral failing. The initiative seeks to diminish the stigma that often surrounds substance abuse and foster conversations about recovery and support systems.
Conclusion
The 8th Annual End Addiction HSV Walk in Huntsville honored lives lost and aimed to chart a path towards recovery, branding the event a significant community effort in addressing the issue of addiction. The ensuing connection, fundraising, and shared experiences contributed to a more informed and supportive environment for those affected by addiction.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the End Addiction Walk?
The End Addiction Walk aims to honor lives lost to addiction, promote recovery, raise awareness about the impact of substance abuse, and foster community support.
Who organized the event?
The event was organized by Not One More Alabama (NOMA), a nonprofit organization focusing on support for individuals and families impacted by addiction.
How much money was raised during the event?
Seven fundraising teams raised over $12,000 collectively during the event, with specific teams dedicating funds in memory of individuals lost to addiction.
What activities were featured at the walk?
The walk featured motivational speakers, a “Circle of Hope” activity, and a recovery circle to promote connection and support within the community.
What is the significance of the “Circle of Hope”?
The “Circle of Hope” activity allows participants to count down their recovery milestones, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among those affected by addiction.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 8th Annual End Addiction HSV Walk |
| Date | Saturday morning, date unspecified |
| Location | Big Spring Park, Huntsville, Alabama |
| Organizer | Not One More Alabama (NOMA) |
| Funds Raised | Over $12,000 |
| Number of Flags | 1,100 (for overdose victims) |
| Keynote Speaker for 2025 | Katie Tidmore (local singer/songwriter) |
| Next Event Date | August 22, 2025 (pre-event Fuel for the Soul) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Rocket City Now: Huntsville’s End Addiction Walk
- WAFF: Not One More Alabama Hosts 8th Annual End Addiction HSV Walk
- Rocket City Now: NOMA Set to Host 8th Annual End Addiction HSV Walk
- WBRC: People Come Together for Addiction Recovery Walk in Huntsville
- Wikipedia: Addiction
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
