MEDIA RELEASE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – Communities around the world are coming together to observe International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in remembrance of those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose.
Brunswick County will plant a memorial tree with a plaque in honor of overdose victims during a special dedication ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 31.
Community members are invited to the event, which begins at 9 a.m. on the Lisa M. Thompson Walking Trail at the front of the Brunswick County Government Center in Bolivia. RSVPs are not required.
Those in attendance will have the opportunity to write the first names of their loved ones lost to overdose on prepared river rock, which will be used to build a rock garden at the base of the tree.
The ceremony will include remarks from County staff, prayer by a Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain, and a community member testimony.
Members of the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will attend and read the proclamation they approved on Aug. 5, officially proclaiming Aug. 31, 2024, as Overdose Awareness Day in Brunswick County with the theme of Together, We Can.
“By coming together to remember the community members we have lost, we stand together to say that we will continue fighting to end overdose in our county,” Health Director David Howard said. “We encourage members of the community with lived experience to attend this event and to stand in solidarity with the people who have been personally affected by the tragedy of overdose.”
For questions or additional information about the event, contact Public Health Educator Olivia Jarvis at 910.253.2269 or via email.
Overdose Awareness and Remembrance Ceremony Details
When: Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Lisa M. Thompson Walking Trail, Brunswick County Government Center, 60 Government Center Drive, Bolivia, NC 28422 (Parking available in front of the Brunswick County Social Services Building)
What to Expect: Brunswick County community members and partners are invited to attend a dedication ceremony in honor of those lost to drug overdose. The event will feature a memorial tree planting and interactive rock garden activity, as well as remarks and testimonials from special guest speakers.
About International Overdose Awareness Day
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is observed on August 31 every year and is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. Since 2012, the IOAD initiative has been globally convened by the Penington Institute, a not-for-profit public health organization based in Melbourne, Australia. Learn more about IOAD and the worldwide overdose crisis at overdoseday.com.
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Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, contact Communications Director Meagan Kascsak.
- Email Meagan Kascsak
- Phone: 910.253.2995