Since 2017, the RISE Drug Free MKE coalition has organized events to observe International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 to reduce the isolation, stigma, and grief that people impacted by overdose often feel as they personally cope with the increasingly lethal substances in our drug supply, such as fentanyl and xylazine. Last year, 668 people in Milwaukee County lost their lives due to overdose, with 107,543 overdose deaths nationwide.
The International Overdose Awareness Day observances were announced with a formal press conference at City Hall led by Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson; Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley; Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, who also serves as RISE Drug Free MKE’s chair; Milwaukee Common Council President Jose Perez; Dr. Mike Totoraitis, City of Milwaukee Health Commissioner; Tahira Malik, Samad’s House Executive Director; Rosalind McClain, CEO of Healing Starts Today, and De’Shawn Ewing, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute’s Outreach and Engagement Manager.
The speakers stood in front of a Memorial Tree that displayed purple ribbons with the names of loved ones lost to the overdose crisis, which was featured in the City Hall Rotunda from August 26 to September 5.
“We need to make sure we're having open and honest conversations about substance use, whether they are trying to hide it, something that is shameful and that's why International Overdose Awareness Day is so critical,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
Mayor Johnson proclaimed August 31 to be International Overdose Awareness Day throughout the City of Milwaukee.
“International Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity for people to remember loved ones in an environment free from shame and stigma, it provides an opportunity for people to connect with others who share similar experiences and come together to fight and reverse this devastating trend,” the proclamation reads.
Community Walk/Run and Resources to Prevent Overdose
Two days later, on August 31, the RISE Drug Free MKE coalition supported Healing Starts Today's Rhythm and Soles 5K Walk/Run in Veterans Park, which also included free community resources, food, kids’ activities, yoga, Naloxone training from Vivent Health, and personal tributes.
Resources were provided by Celebrate Recovery, Community Medical Services, HIR Wellness, Legal Action of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Fire Department/MORI, Nar-Anon Moms, Nystrom & Associates, Pathfinders, The Phoenix, Rogers Behavioral Health, Safe & Sound, Samad’s House, UMOS, United Community Center, Vin Baker Recovery, Vivent Health, Wauwatosa Health Department, Wisconsin Community Services, and Healing Starts Today.
Later, thanks to Light the Hoan, the iconic Hoan Bridge lit up purple to show the widespread community support for those who have experienced overdose and their loved ones.
Resources:
- RISE Drug Free MKE, International Overdose Awareness Day Resources
- City of Milwaukee Office of African American Affairs, Overdose Prevention Education
- Milwaukee County, Prevention and Harm Reduction
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Dose of Reality, Opioids Treatment and Recovery
Media Coverage:
- Milwaukee Leaders Gather to Promote Awareness and Prevention Ahead of Overdose Awareness Day, CBS 58
- Milwaukee 5K Raises Awareness of Drug Overdose Impact, CBS 58
- Wisconsinites Remember Overdose Victims as Part of International Overdose Awareness Day, Spectrum News 1
- International Overdose Awareness Day News Conference, FOX 6
- Milwaukee Co. to Honor International Opioid Awareness Day at Veterans Park Saturday, WISN
- International Overdose Awareness Day Looks to Provide Resources and Save Lives, OnMilwaukee
