OKC FRIDAY Vol. 57 No. 24 • One Section • 16 pages • October 20, 2023
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Village first in state to offer free Narcan, Fentanyl test strips By Eric Oesch Staff Writer The Village Fire Department is the first fire department in Oklahoma to host a vending machine that distributes life-saving resources in the form of Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips. Both products are now available at The Village Fire Department, 2201 W. Britton Rd., near Casady Square.
The distribution of the free Narcan and Fentanyl test strips comes through a partnership with the City of the Village and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The initiative brings education and awareness about substance use disorders, as well as provide free medicine to vulnerable Oklahomans. “Accidental overdose is
the leading cause of death in the United States for those 18- to 50- years-old,” said Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges. “We have an opportunity to save lives if we all work together. The City of The Village is the first fire department in Oklahoma to host a machine and we are thankful for our first respon-
ders who have taken up this initiative.” Plans call for 40 vending machines to be placed in strategic zip code locations throughout Oklahoma where overdose prevalence is high, making this the largest-scale initiative in the United States. The ODMHSAS has placed similar vending machines at the Oklahoma County Courthouse, City of Spencer City Hall, Lucky Star Casino in
Concho, and the Payne County Courthouse. The ODMHSAS reports that in 2020 alone, national drug overdoses increased by 31 percent, with nearly 92,000 lives lost. More than 70 percent of the overdoses were driven by opioids, including synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. There are nearly 1,000 accidental overdose deaths See VILLAGE, Page 14
Nichols Hills UMC to host 75th anniversary events
DR. JUDITH JAMES
Dr. James receives national honor Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., has been inducted into the National Academy of Medicine during a ceremony held at the academy’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. Membership in the National Academy of Medicine is one of the highest honors bestowed in the field of medicine. Academy members elect new members in recognition of outstanding achievement. James called her election to the academy one of the most significant and humbling honors of her career. “This is an incredible recognition not just for me but for every brave patient who has been a See JAMES, Page 7
In the midst of an historic year with many Oklahoma United Methodist Churches disaffiliating, Nichols Hills United Methodist Church is going strong. In fact, the church, which voted on March 8 of this year to remain a United Methodist Church, is preparing to celebrate its 75th Anniversary the end of this month, Rev. Jim Perkin said. “While continuing to thrive in the heart of Nichols Hills, the church is honoring its long-standing commitment to the United Methodist Church, its congregation and its community,” he said. Nichols Hills United Methodist Church is launching its 75th year with a Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 28, 4-6 p.m. There is to be fun, food and activities for children. On Sunday, Oct. 29, a coffee service is set to take place in the church’s Memorial Garden. Following will be a heart-felt church service at 10 a.m. officiated by Rev. Perkin, who is planning to honor the church’s heritage with a similarly-titled sermon as the church’s first sermon 75 years ago, as well as the first hymn ever sung at the church. In addition, a proclamation is to be presented to the church by the City of Nichols Hills on behalf of Mayor Sody Clements, who received the first invitation from Rev. Perkin to the weekend festivities.
Nichols Hills UMC Pastor Jim Perkin, right, presents Nichols Hills Mayor Sody Clements with the first invitation to the church’s 75th anniversary celebration.
The Sunday morning service is to be filled with music featuring a new bell choir directed by Mary Lynn Perkin, a brass band, a harpist, and a string quartet. And, led by Music Director Michael Wylder, a vocal choir, primarily comprised of music students from the United Methodist affiliated school,
Oklahoma City University, are to perform. A festive brunch follows at 11:30 a.m. with a slide show highlighting the church’s past 75 years, which is to be accompanied by Oklahoma City University musicians in the Fellowship Hall.
Day One luncheon to feature journalist Judy Woodruff By Rose Lane Editor
JUDY WOODRUFF
Senior correspondent and former anchor and managing editor of “PBS NewsHour” Judy Woodruff is to be the featured speaker during the Day One Luncheon, hosted by the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. The event is set for Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Doors open
Painted Sky plans unforgettable gala Painted Sky Opera is thrilled to announce the highly-anticipated Gilded Gala, an evening of opulence, artistry and enchantment, set to take place on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. at the iconic Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. “Prepare to step back in time and experience the glamour of the Gilded Age in one of the most elegant venues in Oklahoma City,” Painted Sky Operations Director Jennifer Coffman said. “The Skirvin Hotel, a beloved landmark with a rich history, will serve as the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night of celebration, featuring live performances, delectable
cuisine and the company of fellow arts enthusiasts.” Guests are to be transported to a world of sophistication and style as they enter the Skirvin's ornate ballroom, beautifully adorned for this special occasion. “The Gilded Gala promises to be an evening of unbridled luxury, where attendees will have the opportunity to dress in their finest attire, from stunning gowns to dapper tuxedos and relish the grandeur of a bygone era,” Coffman said. Highlights of the Gilded Gala include: See OPERA, Page 7
at 11 a.m., with the lunch and program to follow 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The luncheon begins 168 Days of Remembrance leading up to April 19, 2024, the 29th Anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. The significance of 168 days is to remember each of the 168 who were killed, honors those who survived, and thanks those who were changed forever. Woodruff has covered politics and other news for five
decades at NBC, CNN and PBS. She anchored the “PBS NewsHour” for 15 years until she stepped down in 2022. Now, Woodruff is traveling the country to answer: what is at the root of the division and disconnection our country faces today? And how do we fix that? To understand across different perspectives requires the ability to listen, she said. For tickets, visit memorialmuseum.com/events/ day-one-judy-woodruff.
FRIDAY’s
Dog of the Week Nora is the shop dog at Oklahoma Termite Specialists. She is a 2-year-old Akita mix who is extremely playful, loves belly rubs and attention from anyone she comes in contact with. She greets you with a smile and jumps on you for a hug. She loves making her presence known by howling and loves her piggy toy! Email Dog, Cat, Pet and Baby of the Week nominations with complete descriptions to rose@okcfriday.com.