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International Overdose Awareness Day: Mourning those lost to overdose, providing resources
Forest Park’s Cow Palace was not just a venue on Saturday, but a symbol of hope and unity. It was filled with those mourning lives lost to overdose, supporting those in recovery, and raising awareness, marking a significant event in the community’s fight against overdose.
The world’s most extensive annual campaign to end overdose, International Overdose Awareness Day, is held annually on August 31. This is the event’s third year in Brazil, and event organizer Michael Hadley says the main goal is to unite everyone.
“To show that we can work together to end overdose, put a stamp on the stigma of overdose and addiction, and allow a public place for those to mourn,” said Hadley.
Hadley also emphasized the role of the recovery community at the event.
“The best thing about it is the recovery community coming together—all the resources. It’s becoming a beautiful thing.”
The event included a heartfelt proclamation by Brazil Mayor Brian Wyndham, awards to impactful members of the community, live performances, a public place to mourn, information, and resources, including Narcan distribution, and a balloon release to honor those lost to overdose.
Mayor Wyndham says the efforts are making a significant and hopeful impact on Clay County.
“This organization works very hard with what they’re doing and their mission,” said Wyndham. “Their efforts are showing with zero deaths due to drug overdoses in the county last year.”
