North TX Overdose Awareness Day
Thursday, August 31, 6:30 pm
Lawn of Denton Courthouse on the Square

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31 each year 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.

On this night, the courthouse and downtown skyline will light up purple in support of this cause. The event will include featured speakers, 40+ resource providers, live music, food, balloon art, and a memorial. This is a free event open to the public. Pastor Jonathan is a speaker at the event.

The purpose is:

1. Promote awareness and unite and educate the community about the overdose epidemic.

2. Provide resources and support for individuals and families struggling with drug use disorder.

3. Reduce the stigma of this disorder and remember those who have been lost to overdose.

Also, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, our Ivey Garden church bell will be rung in Ivey Garden on August 31 at noon in honor of the lives lost. The bell will ring 12 times this year to represent the 12+ people who died every hour in 2022, over 300 Americans each day.We hope this is meaningful for all of you and that this will offer a moment of reflection and prayer to remember those we’ve lost and take a moment to learn more about how to prevent overdose.

Drug deaths nationwide hit a new record in 2022. 109,680 people died as the fentanyl crisis continued to deepen, according to preliminary data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In real numbers, Texas and Washington state saw the biggest increases in drug fatalities in 2022. Both states suffered roughly 500 additional deaths linked to overdose.

Learn more at  www.roonow.org and www.overdoseday.com