MOUNT VERNON – Observed on Aug. 31 each year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and create change to reduce the harms associated with drug use.
The Knox Substance Abuse Action Team (KSAAT) invites the Knox County community to come together on Aug. 31 to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose and support families who have lost their sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters.
The event is set to take place on the lawn at 404 South Gay St., Mount Vernon, beginning at 7 p.m. Education will be provided about Narcan, a nasal spray prescription medication used to treat drug overdose, and participants can take home a Narcan kit as well as a KSAAT resource toolkit. Other organizations will be available to provide resources. The event will conclude with the Rastin Tower, footbridge and viaduct being illuminated in purple to symbolize awareness of overdose and its effects. Family members who have lost a loved one are encouraged to bring photos.
By holding an event each year, Knox County is part of a global movement for understanding, compassion and change, organizers said. KSAAT thanked the Freedom Center, Hospice of Knox County, Knox Community Hospital, and Riverside Recovery for their community partnership.
