| Tuesday, August 31st, 2021 is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness about the prevention of overdose deaths as well as to reduce the stigma surrounding substance-related deaths. Organizations are coming together from all over the Mountain Plains Region to recognize this day and remember those who have lost their lives from overdose. Events include educational seminars on reducing stigma and preventative measures surrounding drug-related deaths, candlelight vigils, and chalk events to remember those who have lost their lives, and group meetings to support those who struggle with a substance use disorder. In 2020, an estimated 93,331 Americans died from a drug-involved overdose.1 This is an overall 29.4% increase from the 70,980 deaths in 2019, with a similar increase in the number of those deaths that involved an opioid.2 Opioids, including prescription medications, heroin, and other synthetic narcotics have claimed 50,042 lives in 2019 and 69,710 lives in 2020.1,3 To find events in your state/county please visit the International Overdose Day website. 1 https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2021-07-14-cdc-drug-overdose-deaths-294-20202 https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/statedeaths.html 3 https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates |
| Events Showcase: *If your event is not listed here please contact the Mountain Plains ATTC at: [email protected] |
Tuesday, August 31, 2021 5:00 PM MT
Location: 501 Eagle Count Dr, El Jebel, CO 81623
Information Booths: Harm Reduction, Holistic Healing, Awareness Photography in Recovery, Peer Support, Grief Support, etc. Live Band, Speakers with lived experience in recovery or loved one with SUD or who has passed, Honor Walk.
Action Center ([email protected])
Tuesday, August 31, 2021 1:30 PM MT
112 E 8th Ave Denver, CO 80203
Join the Harm Reduction Action Center participants, staff, and community partners for a time of mourning and overdose prevention education. Tuesday, August 31 from 1:30-3:30 outside of the HRAC. There will be Narcan trainings, fentanyl testing strip trainings, ruckus raising, and a memorial.
Sunday, August 22, 2021 11:00 AM MT
2239 Champa St, Denver, CO 80202
We are hosting a sober support brunch before the Colorado Rockies baseball game on August 22. We will have multiple speakers including the owner of the Rockies and State Senator Brittany Pattersen. We will then wear purple shirts to signify international Overdose Awareness Day. We will be handing out free purple shirts. And then sit together for the baseball game in section 110 and 111. There will be discounts for these seats.
Tuesday, August 31, 2021 6:00 PM MT
Location: Rose Park Shelter -21st W & Ave C Billings, MT
A gathering to remember those lost to overdoses and to bring awareness and to help reduce the stigma of drug overdoses. Speakers, music, food trucks, tshirts.
Tuesday, August 31, 2021 12:00 PM MT
Location: 1500 W Broadway, Suite A
Lighting the Missoula County Courthouse Purple
12pm - 8pm on the courthouse lawn
Sunday, August 29, 2021 5:00 PM MT
Location: Multiple Locations
Raise Public Awareness through having a memorial vigil for those lost to overdose. We will have Naloxone trainer/distributer at the event.
Tuesday, August 31, 2021 10:00 AM CTLocation: Four Bears Memorial Bridge, New Town, ND, 58763
Memorial Walk over Four Bears bridge for a mile
Tuesday, August 31, 2021 7:30 PM CT
Location: Raven Outdoor Amphitheater, 205 E 6th St. Sioux Falls, SD 57104
We are holding a candlelight vigil at the outdoor Raven Amphitheater in downtown Sioux Falls next to the Arc of Dreams, which will be lit up in purple. Hear from families who have lost loved ones to addiction, as well as those who continue to battle substance use disorder. There will also be information on how to get help and what families can do to help a struggling loved one. Singer Elisabeth Hunstad will perform.
Tuesday, August 31, 2021 12:00 PM CT
Location: Online Training via zoom for residents of SD
Learn to navigate the resources in the online 211 database and Helpline Center app to help support the work you do with individuals who might be struggling with a substance use disorder. Become familiar with educational documents and resource guides to help guide those who might be struggling to be able to connect with support.
Tuesday, August 31, 2021 7:00 PM MT
Location: Utah State Capitol South Steps; 350 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Come join us as we remember those we’ve lost to overdose death. Create change and connection and raise awareness that overdose deaths are preventable. Live music performances. Amazing and inspiring speakers. And of course, we will turn the Capitol purple. Narcan and Fenyanyl Test strips will be available both before and after the event. Raise awareness. Start a conversation. Share without shame. End overdose deaths.
Tuesday, August 31, 2021 7:00 PM MT
Location: Dixie State University (Gardner Center Ballroom) 300 South 900 East, St George UT, 84770 Honoring those we’ve lost and fighting for those who need us! With a dinner and speakers.