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Overdose Death is Preventable

International Overdose Awareness Day 2022: Event Crowdsource

Elika Upadhyay

Please join NASTAD Drug User Health in sharing and participating in the events below in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Many of the below events will be held in-person or virtually. Please contact DrugUserHealthTA@nastad.org with any questions or additions.

Arizona:

Sonoran Prevention Works:

In-Person Events

Tucson, AZ - Flyer 

  • Wednesday, August 31st, 5:30pm 
  • Splinter Collective, 901 N 13th Ave, Tucson, AZ

Sierra Vista, AZ - Flyer 

  • Wednesday, August 31st, 5-7pm 
  • Len Roberts Park, 101 E Theatre Dr., Sierra Vista, AZ 

Phoenix, AZ- Flyer 

  • Wednesday, August 31, 6pm 
  • Pioneer Park Ramada One, 526 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 

Flagstaff, AZ- Flyer 

  • Wednesday, August 31st, 5-8pm 
  • Bushmaster Park, 3150 N Alta Vista Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 

Online Events

Online Panel Event: The Social Determinants of Overdose 

Colorado:

A list of Colorado IOAD events can be found at http://endoverdoseco.com/community-events/.

Harm Reduction Action Center:

Overdose Awareness Day, August 31st from 1:30-4pm

Colorado Springs 

Time/Date: 6pm on August 31st 

Location: Colorado Springs City Hall (107 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903) 

Information: On August 31st, 2022, the Colorado Springs community will join other communities all over the world as we come together to remember those who have lost their lives to overdose. Hosted every year, International Overdose Awareness Day seeks not only to acknowledge those who have died, but to honor and remember them with dignity and respect. This event will include a Narcan training, words of encouragement and remembrance, and an opportunity to connect with community resources. 

Join us at 6pm on the steps of city hall as we hear from survivors of overdose, those who have lost a loved one, and individuals who are working in harm reduction and overdose prevention who all have the common goal of creating change.
 
In an effort to remember the names, faces, and lives of those lost to overdose, we are asking our community to bring a photo of the loved one they have lost to be displayed at the event. If you have a photo you would like to be included but can't be at the event or don't have a physical copy, please upload it to this form and we will print it for you at no cost.  

Submit a photo here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJ47lp7SaXekEx0lcNTcaWbpIWfmhZqMyt4CNjOG-tiegRDw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Idaho: 

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: To commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will host an event at the Idaho Capitol Building steps, featuring speakers from state agencies and community members affected by overdose. Speakers will share their experiences and stories, ranging from the overdose epidemic in Idaho and the spectrum of substance use, community resources, and personal experiences with overdose.

353 folding chairs will be placed on the Capitol Building steps, each empty chair representing an Idaho resident that has died from a drug overdose in 2021. The empty chairs will represent the empty space within Idaho homes and our community, as a result of the overdose epidemic.

It is the hope that International Overdose Awareness Day events at the Idaho Capitol Building and across the globe, inspire community change to reduce overdose deaths and provide support to families and communities impacted by overdose.

Event logistics:

  • Event speeches will begin at 10am MDT.
  • The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare invites Idaho residents to join IDHW in commemorating IOAD, especially community members impacted by overdose, to travel to the Idaho Capitol to attend the event.
  • Press and news outlets are invited to attend.

Illinois:

JOLT Harm Reduction: JOLT Harm Reduction will be hosting an awareness event at our local Minor League Baseball stadium during a home game. This event will double as a close to our #anothertomorrow fundraising campaign to end overdose deaths in Central Illinois. 

Transforming Reentry Services 

  • August 31st 10 AM—2 PM CT 
  • The Westside Justice Center 
  • 601 S. California Avenue 
  • Chicago, IL 60612 

Indiana:

Tippecanoe County 

  • Aug. 28th, Courthouse Square, 12-3p 

Fayette County  

Monroe County

  • Wednesday, August 31st Monroe Co courthouse lawn, 6-8pm with IRA and MCHD - flyer
  • Sept 2, Paint the Town Purple to kick off Recovery Month. Taking Place on Courthouse Lawn 

Positive Link

  • Wednesday, August 31st Monroe Co courthouse lawn, 6-8pm with IRA and MCHD - flyer 
  • Tippecanoe Co recovery Rally 9/17 
  • Safe Haven Voices of Recovery 9/10 4-8pm, West Baden Voices of Recovery (safehavenrec.com)
  • National Recovery Month Summit Muncie 9/17 9a-3p 

St. Joseph County

INROC International Overdose Awareness Day “Necessary Stories”  https://www.indianaruralhealth.org/events/2022/08/31/virtual-event/inroc-international-overdose-awareness-day-necessary-stories/ 

Kentucky:

Brightview Events: 

  • Erlanger 
    • 4135 Dixie Highway Elsmere, KY 41018 
    • August 31st 1pm – 4 pm 
    • Community Partner- NIH Heal Initiative 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Information, Education & Remembrance 
      • Refreshments 
  • Georgetown. KY 
    • 1154 Lexington Road Georgetown, KY 40324 
    • August 31st 11 am – 1 pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Information, Education & Remembrance 
      • Brown Bag Lunch 
  • Glasgow KY 
    • August 31st 10 AM – 1 PM 
    • Courthouse grounds at the Glasgow Square 
    • Event details 
      • There will be $20 Wal-Mart gift certificates given out for HIV and HEP testing 
      • COVID Vaccines available 
      • Community Resource Booths 
      • UK Healthcare 
  • Bridge KY 
    • Barren River District Health Dept 
    • Guest Speakers 
      • Jimmy and Mandy Vibbert, Celebrate Recovery 
      • Brandon Riddle 
  • Hazard, KY 
    • 320 Morton Blvd. Hazard, KY 41707 
    • August 31st, 11am – 3pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Information, Education & Remembrance 
  • Henderson 
    • 500 North Green Street Henderson, KY 42420 
    • August 31st 11am – 1pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Information, Education & Remembrance 
      • Fun Prizes & Giveaways 
      • Drawing for $50 Food Card 
      • Snacks 
  • Lexington 

    • At Voices of Hope (new building) 644 North Broadway 

    • August 31st, 11 am – 1 pm

    • Event Details

      • Narcan Distribution & Training

      • Information, Education & Remembrance

      • Memory Board for Loved Ones 

      • Enrollment for Recovery Coaching 

      • Harm Reduction Education 

      • Snacks & Water Bottles 

      • Community Partners 

      • NIH Heal Initiative 

      • Voices of Hope 

      • Kentucky Specialty Courts 

  • Louisville 
    • 9702 Stone Street Rd. Louisville, KY 40272 
    • August 31st 10 am – 12 pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Provided by KIRP 
      • Information, Education & Remembrance 
      • Event kicks off at 10am with a short walk around the BrightView lot 
      • $20 gift cards for HIV and HEP C testing (while supplies last) 
      • Water & Snack provided 
      • Hygiene Packs (while supplies last) 
      • Community Partners 
      • Landmark Recovery 
      • Dress code: Wear Purple 
  • Madisonville 
    • 9 East Arch Street Madisonville KY 42431 
    • August 31st 11 am – 2 pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Free Cell Phone Service 
      • Free HIV Testing 
      • Transitional living resources 
      • Kentucky Career Center 
      • Food Bank Registration 
  • Nicholasville 
    • 506 North Main Street Nicholasville KY 40356 
    • August 31st 10 am – 3 pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Information, Education & Remembrance 
    • Community Partners 
      • Jessamine County Drug Court 
      • Jessamine County Quick Response Team 

New Hampshire 

NHHRC: International Overdose Awareness Day - Concord, New Hampshire 

On August 31st, 2022 we are offering a space to come together in Concord, New Hampshire, across all identities to recognize the ways in which this crisis has affected us all. 

The event will begin with a walk from Concord City Hall at 4:30pm. Folks are invited to add names and pictures of loved ones who have been lost to this crisis or to bring their own picture to carry. To learn more about the event and the schedule, please view the flyer here.  

New Jersey 

New Mexico 

New York 

Second Annual Overdose Awareness Day! September 14 and 15, 2022 

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/opioid_overdose_prevention/index.htm  

All events below are scheduled through NYS 

August 31, 2022 

North Carolina:

The Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) 

WNCAP is hosting an Overdose Awareness Event and Vigil on August 20 2022 in Hayesville, Clay County, North Carolina. The flyer holds more detailed information.  

WNCAP will be joined by several local and regional organizations. This will be an event to share Resources and Education and distribute Narcan/Naloxone, Condoms, and offer free testing for Hep C and HIV. A vigil will be held at the end where we will read all the names that have been submitted to us by friends and family. 

End Overdose in Watauga County: Naloxone Overdose Reversal Training 

On 8/31/22, we will offer Naloxone overdose reversal training and harm reduction and recovery resources, including Narcan and fentanyl test strips at these 5 locations in Boone, NC: 
1:00 - 4:00 at F.A.R.M. Cafe, Hatchet Coffee, and Regear Outdoors; 
12:30 - 2:30 at the Boone Mall; and 
3:00 - 5:00 at Lily's Snack Bar.  

6:00 - 7:00 on the Watauga Government Center lawn. 

View Flyer here.  

Watauga County Art Installation 

At 7:00 pm on 8/31/22, we will gather at the green space and parking area of Poplar Grove Connector (in front of Daymark Recovery Services, Watauga County Health Department, DSS, and the Senior Center). We will open an interactive art installation that will remain until 9/30/22. We will honor together lives lost to overdose and will end the event that evening with a candlelight vigil walk. 
The interactive art installation will open in the green space at Poplar Grove Connector in Boone on 8/31/22 and remain until 9/30/22. View Flyer here.  

In addition to resource information, this installation will feature beautiful screenprint images created by Andi Gelsthorpe. 
"My Loved One" is the anchor image for lament/mourning/honoring of loved ones lost to overdose. An altar space will be available in honor of our lost loved ones. Cards will be available for messages to be left for or about your loved one. These cards will be gathered and used to create a community poem/prose that will be read at the closing event on 9/30/22. 
"You are Not Alone" is the anchor image for harm reduction and saving lives. 
"Hope" is the anchor image for recovery. 

Ohio 

Never Use Alone Ohio 

Never Use Alone is hosting their 2nd annual community walk in Perry County at Jim Rockwell Stadium at 101 Third Avenue, New Lexington, Ohio on Sunday, August 28th from 1:30-4:30 p.m.  Please see here for a flyer explaining the activities that are planned.  

Columbus, Ohio  

On August 31, 2022 from 12-2 pm, organizations in Columbus, Ohio are meeting at The Vanderelli Room (218 McDowell St 43215) to recognize IOAD. Graphic for event is attached. 

 “Remembering without Stigma” 

August 31st, 2022 from 2pm-5pm at Westgate Park  Outdoor Shelter)/455 S. Westgate Avenue, Columbus OH, 43204 This event will acknowledge the profound grief of family and friends left behind, spread the message about the tragedy of drug overdose death and bring awareness to reducing stigma! 

Newark, Ohio: 8th Annual International Overdose Awareness Day -The Canal Market, 36 E. Canal St. Newark Ohio 

  • 5-7 PM. Community Rally, Candle Lighting and Balloon Re-lease 
  • Contact info – Patricia Perry t-pf@hotmail.com  

Morgan County:  

Morgan County, Ohio will be recognizing International Overdose Awareness day on August 31, 2022 at the Morgan County Commons from 6-8 pm. Please view more at the flyer.  

Brightview Events: 

  • Batavia 
    • 1100 Hospital Drive Batavia, OH 45103 
    • 8/30 and the time 2-4pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan distribution & training
      • Hotdogs, Chips and Pop
      • Free food boxes from freestore food bank 
      • Snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn
      • Games 
    • Community Partners 
      • Brave Choices 
      • Harm Reduction Ohio 
      • United Health Care 
    • Additional Resource: 
      • Back to School Bags 
  • Centerville/Dayton 
    • 1 Elizabeth Place, Parking Lot A Dayton, OH 45417  
    • August 31st 11am – 1pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
    • Community Partners 
      • Woodhaven 
      • Project Dawn 
  • Dover 
    • 115 South Wooster Ave. Dover, OH 44622 
    • August 31st 10 am – 2 pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Information, Education & Remembrance 
      • Food, Entertainment & Prize Wheel 
  • Fairfield 
    • 5108 Sandy Lane Fairfield, OH 45014 
    • August 31st 2 pm – 4 pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Information, Education & Remembrance 
      • Refreshments 
      • Balloon Release 
  • Georgetown OH 
    • 421 Home Street Georgetown, OH 45121 
    • August 31st from 2-4 
    • List of community partners participating: 
      • Brown County Health Department 
      • Help Me Grow 
      • Brave Choices 
      • Harm Reduction Ohio 
      • Inter Parish Ministry Food Pantry 
      • United Health Care 
      • Georgetown Behavioral 
    • Additional Resource: 
      • Back to School Bags 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan training 
      • Grab and go sandwich boxes 
      • Free food boxes from Freestore food bank 
      • Snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn 
      • Games  
      • Carnival Themed 
  • Lima 
    • 1505 North Cole Street Lima Ohio 45801 
    • August 31st 1am – noon 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Information, Education & Remembrance 
      • Pat’s Donuts 
      • Coffee with “The Works” Courtesy of Coleman Professional Services and Bigsby Coffee 
      • Opioid Display for Awareness/Education by Lima Memorial Health System 
      • Free Raffle Entry 
      • Promo Items & Giveaways
    • Community Partners 
      • Promedica of Toledo 
      • Project Dawn of Lima 
      • Lima Memorial Health Systems 
      • Prevention Awareness Support Services (PASS) 
    • Dedication Flags Available 
      • Visit August 23rd – August 30th 
        • BrightView 1505 North Cole Street Lima OH 45801 
        • Coleman Professional Office: Main Office in Lima 
        • Complete Recovery Network: Front Office 
  • Mansfield Project Noelle Overdose Awareness Candlelight Vigil 
    • Lexington Community Park 167 Plymouth Street 
    • August 31st 6 pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution 
      • Live Music 
      • Food 
      • Speakers 
  • Marietta 
    • 324 Pike Street Marietta Oh 45750 
    • August 31st 1pm – 4 pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Drinks, Snacks & BrightView Giveaway 
      • Community Partner 
        • Washington County Health Department 
  • Marion 
    • 560 North Main Street Marion OH 43302 
    • August 31st 11am – 1 pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Community Partners 
        • Marion Public Health 
        • WIC 
        • Tobacco Free Program Crawford-Marion ADAMHS Board 
        • Drug Free Marion Coalition 
  • Mason 
    • 4483 U.S. 42 Mason, OH 45040 
    • September 1st 9:30 am – 11am 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Plant a flag to honor a loved one 
      • Refreshments provided 
  • Piqua 
    • 1830 West High Street Piqua OH 45356 
    • August 31st 11am – 2 pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Candle Lighting to honor a loved one 
      • Refreshments provided 
  • Portsmouth 
    • 1405 11th Street Portsmouth OH 45662 
    • August 31st 1 pm – 4 pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Community Cookout 
  • Toledo 
    • 1655 Holland Rd. Maumee OH 43537 
    • August 31st 8am – 11am 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Provided by Promedica 
      • Doughnuts 
      • Coffee 
      • Giveaways 
  • Wilmington 
    • 485 East Main Street Wilmington OH 45177 
    • August 31st 3pm – 5pm 
    • Event Details 
      • Narcan Distribution & Training 
      • Community Cookout 
      • Community Resources 
      • Covid Vaccines 

Pennsylvania:

Never Surrender Hope 

On 8/27 at 6:30 pm, Never Surrender Hope will have an overdose awareness walk. This will take place on Saturday, 8/27 at 6:30PM at Calvary AA Track and Field in the Northeast- 4330 Deerpath Ln. Philadelphia, PA 19154 

Philly Heals 

On 8/31, Philly heals is opening a Grief Garden at Thomas Paine Plaza in Center City Philadelphia. The Garden will pop up and house approximately 12,000 flowers. People can tag a flower with the name of a loved one that has died from a drug intoxication. There is also a virtual memorial where people can submit pictures, names and messages for their deceased loved one. Please view here: Overdose Memorial — Substance Use Philly.  

Tennessee:

Tennessee has compiled International Overdose Awareness Day events from all over the state. To view 45+ events in TN, please view this spreadsheet. 

Utah: 

Utah Naloxone: International Overdose Awareness Day- Online Naloxone Training (Flyer here) 

  • 8/25 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm & 8/31 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm 
    • Basic Naloxone Training for community members to learn how to use a Naloxone Rescue Kit to rescue someone from an opioid overdose (End Users). This class will not prepare you teach others when to use naloxone. *Spanish Interpretation will be available* 
    • Preregister for the event, attend the virtual training, and we will send you free injectable naloxone rescue kits, a 2022 Overdose Awareness Day t-shirt and window stickers so folks know you care about saving lives. All information collected is completely confidential. 
    • Zoom Links:  

Washington State: 

3rd Annual Overdose Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Treatment Series  

Washington Poison Center is hosting their 3rd Annual Overdose Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Treatment webinar series August 8th through 19th.  

This series will explore unintentional and intentional overdose, how to prevent and reduce harm from overdose, and how to access resources and treatment. Join us in opening dialogue, de-stigmatizing, and promoting awareness of the help available in our communities. 

All sessions are free and open to any interested participants. Sessions will take place on Zoom or on social media.  

To learn about each session and register go to Overdose Awareness Series – Washington Poison Center (wapc.org) 

Overdose Awareness in the Park 

  • Family-friendly BBQ to celebrate recovery and spread awareness. Come enjoy food, games, and prizes. Complimentary dinner and drinks are provided, bring your chairs or blanket to sit on. Flyer here.  
  • Washington Park, 700 W Cherry St. Walla Walla WA 
  • August 31, 5:30-7:30PM 

Wisconsin: 

Overdose Awareness Walk/Event  

  • Beloit, WI  
    • August 31 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm 
    • The event will have signs for our loved ones, gone too soon, t shirts, other swag, free food, speakers, resources for recovery and substance use disorder and a RECOVERY meeting at the end for anyone that would like to attend. Please see more information at this link.  

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