Recover Fall River to hold Stand Against Stigma event across the city, also hold Overdose Awareness Day event

Recover Fall River will be hosting a memorial on August 31st, on the north side of Fall River City Hall to close Overdose Awareness month.

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on 31 August 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.

This year once again, the community will gather to memorialize lost lives and to share hope for those still struggling.

Posters of local residents who have lost their battle with addiction will be displayed on the hill outside of Fall River City Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m. Resources will be available from 5:30-7:00 p.m., including Narcan, an effective medication used to reverse overdoses. From 6:30-8:00 p.m. there will be an art contest, speakers, and performances.

As in past years, a memorial video will be produced, consisting of photographs submitted by family members of the hundreds of local lives lost. The evening will conclude with a candlelight procession from City Hall to Saint Anne’s Church.

Also, on Tuesday, August 27th, Recover Fall River will stand together with members of the community to support individuals and family members who have been impacted by addiction and overdose. The event will support families who have lost loved ones and highlight the significant impact of addiction and overdose on not only the individual, but also their families and our entire community.

Family members, advocates and individuals who have been impacted by addiction and overdose will stand throughout the city. Family members who have previously submitted photos to Recover Fall River will be provided a poster sized enlargements of their lost loved one and citizens are encouraged to join them in support of destigmatizing addiction and overdose. Anyone is invited to join in this Stand Out in a statement of solidarity against overdose.

Participants can pick up posters and signs outside of City Hall at 3:30 p.m. Participants are also welcomed to bring their own signs. Location assignments will be provided at that time. Anyone who would like to participate but has physical limitation is invited to bring a chair.