WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Multiple Overdose Awareness Day events are set for Saturday, Aug. 31.

Coastal Horizons’ Quick Response Team is partnering with the City of Wilmington to host its third annual Overdose Awareness Day event on Saturday, Aug. 31.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hope Recovery Church on 3403 Winston Blvd., Wilmington.

“This year’s event is a meaningful opportunity for the community to come together to honor the lives lost to overdose, celebrate stories of hope and recovery, and support those affected by addiction. The event will feature live music, guest speakers, door prizes, light refreshments, and stories of resilience,” a Coastal Horizons announcement states.

There will also be free Narcan available and a portrait memorial dedicated to those lost to addiction and overdose.

“Overdose Awareness Day is a time for our community to reflect, remember, and take action,” said Jason Black, LPA, LCAS, CCS, Program Director for Adult Residential Community Treatment Services at Coastal Horizons. “We hope this event provides comfort, connection, and a sense of hope for all who attend.”

The Brunswick County Overdose Awareness and Remembrance Ceremony is also set for Saturday and will begin at 9 a.m. on the Lisa M. Thompson Walking Trail in front of the county Government Center in Bolivia.

RSVPs are not required, and those in attendance will have the chance to write the first names of their lost loved ones on a river rock that will be used to build a rock garden at the base of the memorial tree. The tree will have a plaque honoring overdose victims.

“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.”

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