Media Room

International Overdose Awareness Day

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. This year, there are several events throughout Connecticut to remember without stigma those who have died, to acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind, and to offer resources and support. This year’s theme is “Together We Can” to highlight the power of community connection and collaboration in preventing and ending overdose.

Overdose deaths are preventable. We know that criminalizing drug use hasn’t worked. More compassionate alternatives are necessary – including harm reduction approaches, more access to recovery support and recovery coaching, and more widely available access to and education for overdose reversal medications like Naloxone.

Events in Connecticut

Danbury, CT Overdose Awareness Day Saturday August 31 from 6-9pm at Kennedy Park

Enfield, CT International Overdose Awareness Day Vigil Saturday August 31 at 7pm Enfield United Church of Christ

Glastonbury, CT Memorial Walk and Gathering Thursday August 29th at 4pm on Academy Lawn

Hartford, CT International Overdose Awareness Day Annual Community Cookout Saturday August 31 at 11am at 557 Albany Ave., Hartford, CT, United States, Connecticut 06112

Manchester, CT Honoring International Overdose Awareness Week and Celebration of Life Thursday August 29th from 6-8:30pm at Center Memorial Park

Meriden, CT Overdose Awareness Day Concert Saturday August 31 from 9am-2pm on the Meriden Green

New Canaan, CT 8th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil Thursday August 29th 7-8pm South Ave and Elm St.

New Haven, CT Overdose Awareness Day Friday August 30th 12-3pm on the New Haven Green

Torrington, CT Overdose Awareness Day Resource Fair and Vigil Thursday August 29th 5:30-8pm at Coe Memorial Park

Virtual Event CT Clearinghouse Educational Forum Unintentional Overdose in Connecticut Data Trends and Meeting People Where They Are Thursday August 29th from 2-3:30pm

If you or someone you know is looking for support, reach out to our Peer Support Specialist, Quinn at qjannetty@positivedirections.org. They are available to offer 1:1 peer support, answer questions about resources, and connect folks to communities and support groups.