United against fentanyl

On September 20, the local chapter of the Walk for Lives: United Against Fentanyl will gather in the heart of the town plaza, joining a nationwide effort to confront the fentanyl crisis and honor those lost to overdose.

“A person starts to heal the moment they feel heard,” Jason Frame, event organizer said.

The fentanyl epidemic has claimed over 100,000 lives annually in the U.S., and organizers stress that media and political silence have only deepened the crisis.

According to Frame, this walk is a call to action, but also a call to compassion.

Organized by community advocates and supported by Recovery Communities of New Mexico and the New Mexico Peer Coalition, the event coincides with National Recovery Month.

Frame said the morning begins with the walk itself, a solemn yet spirited procession that memorializes lives lost and raises awareness about the devastating impact of fentanyl. Flags bearing names, balloon releases and shared stories will mark the path, each step a testament to grief, love and determination.

Following the walk, the plaza will transform into a space for healing. Local vendors will offer art, jewelry, clothing and religious items, each crafted with intention and rooted in cultural wellness.

Frame said they also are inviting Farmers’ market participants to stay and share the fruits of their labor, recognizing that nourishment, too, is a form of care. He said that healing comes in many forms, from all cultures.

“My dad’s family, they’re from West Virginia, and they make chicken soup. That’s got real healing powers to it, you know, especially if it’s made with love and the right herbs and spices. The ingredients are very important to healing,” Frame said.

The event welcomes ministers, curanderas, clinicians and community members alike.

There will be open mic sessions for songs, poems and stories, with performances from groups like the San Miguel Parish choir. Whether through drumming, dance, or quiet prayer, every offering is a thread in the tapestry of collective healing, said Frame.

Door prizes will be shared, not sold. No vendor taxes, no barriers, just an open invitation to bring what heals you and share it with others. From crystal bracelets to homemade fry bread, from chicken soup to dreamcatchers, the event honors the diverse ways people find strength and solace.

“There’s going to be four different agencies that we use here in Socorro a lot—Full Circle, Cornerstone, and The Learning Path. I work for Socorro County Community Alternatives… we’re also doing it through the RISE program at the detention center where we’re concentrating on cutting down the recidivism and also helping those who are reentering into our community… teaching them life skills that help them to find purpose, to find employment, to get housing… hopefully a future when they get back on their feet.” said Frame, “It’s the whole community. It’s the entire nation… we’re all hurting.”

For those who wish to participate, contribute, or simply bear witness, the plaza awaits. Bring your voice, your art, your food, your prayers. Bring your story. Healing begins here.