International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31st each year which aims to raise awareness of overdose, provide information about community services, and reduce the stigma of 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 a drug overdose.

On Saturday Aug. 31, Harper Rd Treatment Center, Mako Medical, Q-Labs and Mary Sue Connelly are sponsoring an Event to promote awareness at the Beckley-Raleigh Convention Center, 200 Armory Drive, Beckley, WV 25801. This event is open to the public.

The event will include the viewing of the film, OVERDOSED, a feature-length documentary, set in the small town of Petersburg, West Virginia, a rural community tragically impacted by the opioid epidemic sweeping the United States. OVERDOSED shares the stories of various community members, with particular focus on the experiences of former drug dealer, Bre McUlty, who also served as co-producer on this project. Growing up in a home torn apart by drugs and forced to survive by any means necessary, her story offers hope that recovery is possible.

A panel discussion will then take place that will include participants in recovery and loved of those who struggle with addiction. There will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions to the panel members about their experiences and what brings them hope.

The candlelight vigil portion of the event will take place at the end of the event. Participants may bring a picture of a loved one they lost to addiction to be included on the remembrance wall.

Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held each year to raise awareness about drug overdose, remember those who have lost their lives to drug overdose and recognize the grief experienced by families, friends and loved ones.

Come join us to understand how overdose affects each one of us and to remember the loved ones we have lost. It’s a time to remember—but also, a time to act.

Drug overdose is the #1 cause of preventable death in America.

For more information about this event, contact Donna Eleo at 681-207-7389.