International Overdose Awareness Day
Thousands of people die each year from drug overdose. They come from all walks of life. Connecticut will join in the global observance of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st to raise awareness of overdose, reduce stigma, and acknowledge the grief felt by family members and friends of those who have died from a drug overdose. Please see below for a list of events and vigils.
Statewide Events:
Join DMHAS and community agencies at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain - in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 at 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The event will feature information and resources, guest speakers and memorial displays. 184 West Main St.
Today I Matter will be at the State Capitol building at 210 Capitol Avenue in Hartford for a gathering of families and friends remembering individuals lost to substance use. There will be a display of Connecticut memorial posters and a candlelight reading of names. Starts at 7:00 PM on August 31st.
Events in Connecticut Cities and Towns:
Fairfield - A Community Overdose Vigil will be held on August 31st on the Sherman Town Green from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. All are invited to speak and share about their loss of a loved one, continued struggle or pathway to recovery.
1451 Post Rd, Fairfield CT 06824.
Glastonbury - Amplify and the Glastonbury Community Action Partnership are hosting a memorial walk and gathering on August 31st from 4:30 PM to 6:00 P. The walk begins at 5:00 PM at Glastonbury Town Hall, 2155 Main St. Glastonbury CT 06033. Direct questions to Mirela Mujcinovic: 860-652-7531 or Mirela.Mujcinovic@glastonbury-ct.gov
Hartford - The Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance (CTHRA) will be hosting a community event on August 31st at their drop-in center on 557 Albany Ave. in Hartford from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Manchester - The Change Collaborative of Manchester will hold a screening and vigil on August 31st at Northwest Park from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. There will be a screening of "Speaking Grief" followed by a candlelight vigil. Refreshments will be served. Candles will be provided.
448 Tolland Turnpike.
Meriden - Hartford Healthcare's Rushford and the Meriden Department of Health are hosting an Overdose Awareness Day Community Event on August 26th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Meriden Green Amphitheater. The event will offer resources from community organizations, naloxone training, yoga and more.
New Haven - Join the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, the New Haven Health Department, and other community partners on the New Haven Green from 12 PM to 3PM on August 31st for The Art of Hope, Health and Healing. The Overdose Awareness Day event will feature overdose education, health screenings, free narcan, harm reduction supplies & more.
250 Temple St.
New Milford - Sgt. Scoular's 3rd Annual 5k Awareness Run & Recovery Festival
takes place on Sunday, Aug. 27 from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM. New Milford Town Green & Young's Field, Young's Field Road & 25 Main St, New Milford, CT 06776, USA.
Torrington - The Litchfield Opiate Task Force is hosting an Overdose Awareness Day Resource Fair and Vigil at Coe Memorial Park in Torrington, CT on August 31st.
Local agencies will be providing resources and naloxone training. Organizers hope to commemorate the lives lost to overdose by reading their names during the candlelight vigil. When you arrive at the event, please look for the station with purple balloons to submit their names. Please submit names before 7:00 PM.
The Resource Fair begins at 5:30 PM; The Vigil begins at 7:00 PM
101 Litchfield St.
Woodbury - Woodbury-Bethlehem ASAP, First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, are hosting the 2nd annual International Overdose Awareness Day Vigil from 7:00 - 8:30 PM on August 31st. This event will include speakers, "Remembrance Luminarias" with names or initials for those loved ones who we have lost to substance misuse/addiction, and a short candlelight vigil. TO HAVE YOUR LOVED ONE'S NAME ON A LUMINARIA, SEND AN EMAIL to woodbury.bethlehem.asap@gmail.com with the SUBJECT "VIGIL" and the NAME of the loved one - a favorite photo can be included as well.
214 Main St. South