Things to Do
Things to Do

Miles4Meier annual 5K in Kennesaw raises awareness about opioid epidemic

On Aug. 10, 2016, Blake Meier overdosed in a West Palm Beach motel room. His mother Dawn Camarda and sister Catherine Meier talk about how the family fought for Blake for nearly 8 years. (By Hyosub Shin, Shelia Poole and Ryon Horne)
By Shelia Poole
Aug 7, 2018

Blake Meier died of an  overdose in a West Palm Beach motel room in 2016, but his friends and family are determined to help others beat their addictions.

Related: Doctors and the opiod crisis: A National Investigation

At 9 a.m. Saturday, the Miles4Meier 2nd Annual 5K run will be held at Kennesaw Mountain High School, 1898 Kennesaw Due West Rd. The event was started to honor and celebrate Meier's life and to raise awareness about the nation's growing opioid epidemic .

Related: Mother of man featured in opioid campaign: "God's in this somehow"

Proceeds will be donated in Meier’s name to charities that focus on fighting opioid addiction. Last year, the beneficiary was the Extension, a residential treatment facility for men and women who are homeless as a result of their addiction to drugs or alcohol.

On site registration begins at 8 a.m. Current registration is $15.

About the Author

Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.

Follow Shelia Poole on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Fireworks will be set off at dusk at Alpharetta’s Independence Day event at Wills Park. The photo shows a view of a previous year’s fireworks from the nearby Walk of Memories at American Legion Post 201. (Courtesy of Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau/Jack Tuszynski)

Credit: Jack Tuszynski/PhotoJack.net

July Fourth fireworks shows to boom, sizzle, pop across metro Atlanta skies

Your guide to Independence Day fireworks displays across metro Atlanta. Parades, concerts, kids activities and more will lead up to the pyrotechnics.

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

From Fernbank’s new after-hours series to Sneaker Con and a Western-themed party, here are 15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend.

Make the most of Atlanta, one of the best staycation cities

If you haven't planned a summer getaway yet, try rediscovering what makes where you live so special - it's called a staycation.

The Latest

Fireworks will be set off at dusk at Alpharetta’s Independence Day event at Wills Park. The photo shows a view of a previous year’s fireworks from the nearby Walk of Memories at American Legion Post 201. (Courtesy of Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau/Jack Tuszynski)

Credit: Jack Tuszynski/PhotoJack.net

July Fourth fireworks shows to boom, sizzle, pop across metro Atlanta skies

Don’t let your pet become another Fourth of July runaway

Where can I find it: quarts of half-sour pickles, tie donation

Featured

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP

Senate GOP passes budget bill Democrats describe as ‘a catastrophe’

Republicans in the U.S. Senate have passed the “big, beautiful bill” championed by President Donald Trump, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote.

State Farm Arena top 5 globally in box office — behind only Sphere, MSG in U.S.

State Farm Arena brought in about $76.2 million across 60 events.

At a store that never closes, an armed comedian keeps the midnight watch

At JJ Food Mart on the west side of Atlanta, an armed comedian keeps the midnight watch. If you misbehave, Connell Daniels Jr. might put you on Instagram.