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.

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. This day aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.

International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

Below are some events happening in Connecticut in honor of Overdose Awareness Day.

The Art of Hope, Health, and Healing

Screening of “If They Had Known”

Candlelight Vigil

August 31st is National Overdose Awareness Day. For a list of events in CT and to add more click here.

TurningPointCT blogger Ally will be speaking and hosting a resource table at a International Overdose Awareness Day Vigil hosted by Fairfield CARES Fri. Aug. 31 7-8PM at Sherman Town Green, Fairfield.

To read her blog about her recovery from heroin addiction click here

Spread the word if you know someone who may need help with addiction and recovery. They can find resources here.

National Happiness Happens Day

#HappinessHappensDay

Today is National Happiness Happens Day. It’s all about letting happiness happen, a warm breeze, a good song, a funny joke. Whatever it is that makes you happy- even if just for a moment, let it wash over you, and take a moment to appreciate all the little things that make us happy! What makes you happy? For me, warm coffee, Willow saying hi and reaching for a hug, talking to my brother, Harry, seeing an animal, riding my bike, and watching and listening to the rain make me really happy, and so grateful to be here.

This is who makes me SO happy! Willow