Utah communities will join global efforts for International Overdose Awareness Day to honor individuals who have died or sustained permanent injuries due to substance-related overdoses, according to an August 14 statement from Utah State University.
Observed annually on August 31, the day serves as the largest global campaign dedicated to ending overdoses, reducing the stigma of substance use, and acknowledging the grief of affected families and communities.
The Carbon and Emery counties event, titled "A Light to Remember," marks its fifth anniversary this year. Held at Huntington State Park, the event serves as a tradition for individuals to remember loved ones, support those in recovery, and learn life-saving overdose-prevention skills.
Ashley Yaugher, a Utah State University Extension associate professor of health and wellness, stated that substance-related overdoses continue to impact families in every community. She noted that in southeastern Utah, these stories are personal, making it vital to gather with compassion and hope.
According to Mersades Morgan of Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness, the event invites anyone who has experienced loss, is in recovery, or wishes to support others to join in reflection and solidarity. Morgan stated that overdose deaths are preventable and that every person deserves dignity and support.
The Huntington State Park event features free meals from Gettin' Our Smoke and Angel's Craving Food Truck. Attendees can create personalized luminaries, contribute to a community remembrance wall, and receive free Naloxone education and kits.
Free meals and event swag are available for the first 150 adult attendees and the first 100 youth attendees. Free transportation is also provided for the event, which is free and open to the public.
Other statewide events scheduled for August 31 include gatherings in South Salt Lake County at Wheeler Farm, Tooele County at the Stansbury Park Clubhouse, Vernal at the Colton Pavilion, and Salt Lake City at the Utah State Capitol.
