Join USARA and the Grand County community in remembering without judgment those lost to overdose, participate in overdose prevention education, be part of a candle light vigilance and a moment of silence, in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, on August 31, 2023.

These events seek to increase awareness about substance-related overdose, support people in recovery, provide education and support, and remember loved ones that we have lost. Celebrate hope and remember those who suffer in a night of healing.

All community members are invited. Admission is free. The experience of remembering and honoring is priceless.

This event is an opportunity to honor and show community support for those who are (or ever have been) in need of hope, healing, and recovery, those experiencing substance use disorder and friends/family who have supported someone with SUD. Each year, August 31 is recognized worldwide as International Overdose Awareness Day, which is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose and remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. The campaign raises awareness of overdose, which is one of the world’s worst public health crises. Through this event, we acknowledge the profound grief felt by families and friends whose loved ones have died or suffered permanent injury from a drug overdose. International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message about the tragedy of drug overdose death and that drug overdose is preventable. Participating in our local event allows community members to come together in support of each other through a common experience. We are also able to continue educating the community about what substance use disorder really is and how to better support those who need it.