Join Together Northern Nevada (JTNN), in collaboration with numerous community partners, will observe International Overdose Awareness Day with a commemorative walk and remembrance event at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 29 in downtown Reno.

Agencies, families, and community members will gather at the BELIEVE sign at 1 st and Virginia Street and write messages of hope to carry as they walk to Wingfield Park where they’ll observe an art installation and hear a survivor’s message of hope. A brief presentation about Narcan will be provided prior to the distribution of packets containing two free doses of the opioid reversal drug.

International Overdose Awareness Day aims to raise awareness, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, remember those who have died or suffered an overdose, and stimulate discussion about overdose prevention. Preliminary Centers for Disease Control data estimates 68,588 Americans died of an overdose in 2018. “We encourage community members to learn the signs and symptoms of overdose and how to prevent an overdose,” said Executive Director, Jennifer DeLett-Snyder.

Beginning downtown at the BELIEVE sign, this annual walk commemorates those lost to overdose and raises awareness in our community. See event information here. Messages for loved ones can be obtained at Quest.