Overdose Awareness Day events scheduled Friday in Fall River

Organizers for International Overdose Awareness Day activities in Fall River are looking to honor those who have lost their lives and also prevent future overdoses.

The City Of Fall River and Recover Fall River are organizing a help center, vigil, and procession to bring awareness and prevention on Friday August 31st.

A Greater Fall River Help Center will be available with free access to treatment and support services for local residents. The Help Center/ Resources will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Government Center. Inpatient Detox Referral, Narcan / Harm Reduction, Clinical Assessment, Certified Recovery Housing referrals, Family Support/Education, Recovery Coaching, and Community Support Services are some of the services that will be available. There are no waiting lists. The Help Center occurs on the last Thursday of every month at Government Center.

A candlelight vigil will take place outside of Government Center followed by a candlelight procession to St. Anne’s Church for prayer in memory of those lost to overdose. The church bells will toll for local victims of the opioid epidemic. The vigil will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. with the procession to St Anne’s Church beginning directly after. Should weather require, the vigil will be moved indoors.