International Overdose Awareness Day Event Scheduled in Garrett County – #AddictionHappensAug2022

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is celebrated each year on August 31^st. The event brings together local communities around the world to remember those who have died or suffered permanent damage due to drug overdose.

The public is invited to participate in a local event on August 31^st, from 6-8 pm at the Glades Park Pavilion at 10 Spruce Lane, Oakland. The Stories of Hope & Candlelight Vigil is designed to raise awareness that overdose affects all walks of life and it is preventable. 

The event seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.

“A candlelight vigil is held at the very end of the evening,” said Sadie Liller, Prevention Coordinator at the Garrett County Health Department. “The vigil is always a very moving part of the event and helps families honor a loved one they have lost, or one who is still struggling with addiction. Standing together in remembrance spreads the message that more needs to be done to end overdose in our community.”

The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with several community members telling their stories. Resource tables will be available with information about prevention, treatment, recovery, support groups, etc. 

“Overdose can affect anybody – our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends,” Liller said. “Nobody should ever have to go through the pain of losing a loved one because of overdose.”

Locally, the event is a collaboration between The Dove Center, Garrett County Emergency Services, Maryland Coalition of Families, Garrett County Drug-Free Communities, Garrett County Health Department, Healing Garrett, AddictionHappents.org, Stand Together, and various community volunteers. For additional information call 240-226-0530 or email [email protected].