Overdose awareness vigil/memorial to take place in Fall River, help, free narcan available

Concluding a series of activities marking Overdose Awareness month, Recover Fall River and Gone Too Soon, two local grassroots organizations, will be hosting a memorial on August 31st in Fall River.

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31st each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.

In light of restrictions due to COVID-19, the annual vigil will be altered to a more transient tribute to local lives lost to addiction and overdose. Posters of local residents who have lost their battle with addiction will be displayed on the hill outside of Fall River City Hall from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Local talent Jay Dias will provide acoustic music and Recover Fall River will broadcast live from the event. As in past years, a memorial video will be produced, consisting of photographs submitted by family members of the hundreds of local lives lost. This year’s video will be released online at 8:30 p.m. and can be viewed at www.facebook.com/recoverfallriver or on Recover Fall River’s YouTube channel.

Local residents are welcomed to drive by or stop in for a brief visit anytime between 5:00-8:00 p.m. Narcan will be available at no cost through Seven Hills. Assistance with detox admission will also be offered.