WQIO Ohio's Super Station
The Freedom Center and community partners will gather at Ariel Foundation Park on Monday, August 31, to remember those who have lost their lives or suffered permanent injury because of drug overdose.
The local event will begin at 5 p.m. and is being held in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, an annual observance focused on remembering those affected by overdose while working to reduce stigma and promote greater understanding of substance-use-related deaths.
Community Resources Available
Several local organizations will be represented during the event, providing information and resources for individuals and families.
Participating organizations include:
- The Freedom Center
- Knox Public Health
- Knox Recovery
- New Directions
- Municipal Probation
- Rooted In Recovery
- The Main Place
- Afterglow
- New Vision
- Other community partners
Organizers say the gathering is intended to provide an opportunity for people affected by overdose to come together and connect with resources.
Remembering Those Lost
A central part of the evening will be giving family members and friends an opportunity to share stories about loved ones affected by overdose.
A moment of silence will also be held to honor those who have died.
The event will conclude with the illumination of the Ariel Foundation Park tower in purple, a color used to symbolize overdose awareness.
Those who would like to submit a tribute for a loved one can do so through the tribute submission link provided by organizers.
Part of a Global Observance
International Overdose Awareness Day is observed around the world to create greater understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma associated with drug-related deaths and encourage changes aimed at reducing the harms associated with drug use.
By hosting the August 31 gathering, Knox County is joining that broader effort while creating a local opportunity for families, friends, community organizations and people in recovery to come together.
Organizers emphasize that overdose can affect anyone, and the event is intended not only as a memorial but also as an opportunity to connect people with support and resources.
The International Overdose Awareness Day event will take place Monday, August 31, beginning at 5 p.m. at Ariel Foundation Park in Mount Vernon.
