International Overdose Awareness Day is observed on August 31 each year to raise awareness of the public health crisis of substance misuse and overdose.
To remember and grieve the lives lost and support survivors of overdose, the RISE Drug Free MKE coalition invites the community to our 9th Annual International Overdose Awareness Day observance events. Our theme this year is Driven by Hope, a reminder that the work being done in our community is making a difference. The momentum must continue.
Data collected by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner show the stark impact the overdose crisis has had on our community. When RISE Drug Free MKE began observing International Overdose Awareness Day in 2017, the 401 people died as a result of overdose in Milwaukee County. The number of fatal overdoses increased sharply with the widespread presence of fentanyl, peaking in 2022 with 674 deaths from all substances in Milwaukee County. Fortunately, there was a significant drop in overdose deaths in 2023, to 652, and in 2024, to 450 fatal overdoses.
While the statistics should leave us feeling optimistic, there is still a lot of work to be done.
“We’re encouraged that fewer individuals and families are harmed by these highly lethal substances in our community, thanks to an all-hands-on deck effort to provide materials to prevent overdose, treat overdose, and help people get into recovery,” said Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, the Chair of the RISE Drug Free MKE Coalition. “But we don’t want to become complacent, and we absolutely support people who are grieving the loss of a loved one or struggling with substance issues.”
The RISE Drug Free MKE community coalition is proud to host two weekend events in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day. All are welcome to attend these free, family-friendly events.
International Overdose Awareness Events:
3rd Annual Recoveree Diaries Overdose Awareness Picnic
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Time: 12 noon
Location: Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Avenue, Milwaukee
What to expect:
- Guest speakers from all over
- Now accepting monetary donations
- Support school supplies for underprivileged kids
- Help kids in need with school supplies
- Help the homeless with essentials
- Free food for everyone
- Merch for sale: t-shirts and tumblers
- Free haircuts for kids
Wauwatosa Overdose Awareness Event
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 12 noon to 2 p.m.
Location: Root Common Park, at the corner of Harwood Avenue and Wauwatosa Avenue in Wauwatosa
Join the Wauwatosa Health Department to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remember lives lost to overdose.
Whether you have been personally affected by overdose or simply want to support your community, your presence promotes healing and hope.
The event will include free t-shirts, ice cream, speakers, and a short remembrance walk.
Responding to Addiction
Date: Wednesday, August 27
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Location: Community Advocates Second Floor Conference Room, 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee
Responding to Addiction was developed by the Addiction Policy Forum to increase knowledge about addiction, improve helping behaviors toward individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), correct misconceptions about addiction, and reduce stigma in communities. The program is a multi-disciplinary training that teaches participants about the science of addiction and equips them with the knowledge and tools to understand and address substance use disorders.
Kat Becker, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute's Alliance for Wisconsin Youth Coordinator, will host this training on Wednesday, August 27 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Community Adovcates, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 728 N. James Lovell, St. Milwaukee.
What will you learn?
- Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
- Evidence-Based Treatment Options
- Medications Available to Treat Addiction
- Recovery Support and Relapse Prevention
- How to Start the Conversation with Someone in Need of Support
- Engagement Strategies
This workshop is held in conjunction with RISE Drug Free MKE's International Overdose Awareness Day activities.
Healing Together, Driven by Hope
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Location: Mitchell Park Pavilion, 524 S. Layton Boulevard. Milwaukee
Healing Together, Driven by Hope is a community-focused event dedicated to promoting healing and supporting those who are grieving. This gathering aims to create a safe and nurturing space for individuals and families affected by overdose, as well as those seeking to understand and cope with their grief.
Activities include:
- Poetry Station
- Typewriting Station
- Yoga
- Picture Printing Station
- Library Pop-Up
- Affirmation Memorial Rock Station
- Local Resources
Resources will be available from: Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, Community Medical Services, Escucha tus Emociones, Milwaukee County Parks, Nar-Anon Family Groups, Rogers Behavioral Health, Samad’s House, and Sigue Sanando Studio.
International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial Event - "Driven by Hope"
Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
Time: 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Washington Park Areas 2 and 3, 1859 N. 40th Street, Milwaukee
The International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial is a heartfelt gathering aimed at showing love, support, and healing for those affected by the devastating loss of loved ones due to substance misuse, as well as the survivors of overdose. This event is a space for community solidarity, remembrance, and hope.
Activities include:
- Inspiring Speakers
- Dedication Station
- Candlelight Memorial Vigil
The event is sponsored by City of Milwaukee Health Department, HIR Wellness Institute, Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services, Milwaukee County Parks, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, RISE Drug Free MKE.
At dusk, we encourage friends and family to join the RISE Drug Free MKE coalition members near the Summerfest Lot facing E. Erie St., Milwaukee, to view the Hoan Bridge light up purple to honor International Overdose Awareness Day 2025. You can also live-stream it at https://lightthehoan.com/.
International Overdose Awareness Day Blog Posts
Safe & Sound is a RISE Drug Free MKE coalition partner. Here's a message from them regarding International Overdose Awareness Day.
International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized and honored on August 31 each year. A remembrance that was initiated in 2001 in Melbourne, Australia, International Overdose Awareness has resonated with communities around the globe as we all see our homes, neighborhoods, and schools affected by the public health crisis of substance misuse and overdose.
As we raise awareness, remember and grieve the lives lost, and support survivors of overdose, by coming together as a community, healing can begin. Our theme this year is Driven by Hope – an outlook and reminder that the work being done in our community is making a difference.
The momentum must continue.
International Overdose Awareness Day 2025 Resource Guide
Additional Resources and Fact Sheets
- CDC Overdose Prevention
- Helping a Loved One Dealing with Mental and/or Substance Use Disorders: Starting the Conversation
- IOAD Overdose Prevention
- Milwaukee County Harm Reduction Vending Machines
- Milwaukee County Overdose Data
- Milwaukee Prevention Journal
- SAMHSA's 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- Setting Boundaries with Alcohol and Other Drugs Campaign
- Think a Family Member Has a Substance Use Disorder?
Resource Guide
