The Marion County Coalition Against Drug Use, The Community Resource Center, and the Take Action Coalition of Clinton County invite community members to join them for International Overdose Awareness Day on Monday, August 31, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Fairview Park in Centralia, Illinois.
Morgan Isaiah of the Community Resource Center and the Marion County Coalition Against Drug Use is one of the organizers.
“We were going to have different agencies come out with informational tables,” Isaiah said. “There’s also going to be a game section for the kids, because we want this to be a family-friendly event. We’re also going to have three speakers that night.”
Isaiah says the program is dedicated to honoring lives lost to overdose, supporting individuals and families impacted by substance use, and promoting hope through recovery and community connection.
“We’re going to have a tribute table with lit candles. If anyone wants to bring pictures if they’ve lost anyone to overdose, they’re welcome to bring a picture to honor them. We’re just going to have a tribute and a moment of silence for that.”
This year’s theme is “25 Years On. Still Needed.” The campaign marks 25 years of global remembrance and action. It honors those who have worked for over two decades to end overdoses while recognizing that the crisis continues to impact communities. There is also a call to action to encourage people to keep learning, speak openly, and act with compassion and evidence.
