The Knox Substance Abuse Action Team (KSAAT) invites the community to come together on Friday, Aug. 30 to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose and support families who have lost loved ones over the years.

The event is set to take place at Ariel Foundation Park in Mount Vernon, Ohio beginning at 7 p.m. Community resources will be available including Knox Public Health, The Freedom Center, Knox Recovery, Riverside Recovery, New Vision and others. Family and friends will have an opportunity to share stories and a moment of silence will be held to honor those lost. The event will conclude with the illumination of the tower in purple to symbolize awareness of overdose and its effects.

To submit a tribute for a loved one, visit bit.ly/SubmitATribute.

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. By holding an event each year, Knox County joins the global movement for understanding, compassion, and change.

KSAAT is a coalition of community members and organizations dedicated to reducing substance abuse among youth and adults in Knox County. For more information or to get involved, visit ksaat.org.