Each year, hundreds of people in Lucas County die due to opioid-related overdose and injury. The Lucas County Opiate Coalition invites the community to an event on International Overdose Awareness Day in remembrance of all who have lost a life because of overdose:

WHO: Lucas County Opiate Coalition, Toledo-Lucas County Health Department
WHAT: Chalk the Walk
WHEN: Friday, August 16, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Uptown Green Park, 1904 Madison Ave, Toledo, OH 43604

Local artists, family, and friends will “Chalk the Walk” by creating chalk art on the sidewalks at Uptown Green Park. Chalk will be provided for public use to leave messages and drawings on the sidewalks.
Narcan training & distribution, along with opioid overdose education will be provided by Toledo-Lucas County Health Department. Planned memorial activities in collaboration with community partners will also take place. Food trucks will be available.

A remembrance ceremony is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. with the Reading of the Names directly following the remembrance ceremony. Those who have lost a loved one due to overdose may submit the name(s) through the Chalk the Walk Facebook Event Page. Participants are invited to bring chairs or blankets and socialize with the community.

“With our theme for 2024, “Together we can”, we’re highlighting the strength of coming together and standing in support of those connected to the tragedy of overdose. While every individual action matters greatly, coming together as an international community creates a powerful collective action,” said Karim Baroudi, Health Commissioner.

Observed on August 31 every year, International Overdose Awareness Day seeks to create a better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.