We invite you to join us for this year’s International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) gathering in Port Angeles — an opportunity to honor lives lost, support those grieving, and reaffirm our commitment to ending overdose in our community.
Event Details:
• Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ; Tower lighting will take place after event ends.
• Location: Port Angeles City Pier
• Theme: #OneBigFamily
International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, reduce the stigma of substance use disorder, and acknowledge the grief of families and friends left behind.
The event is sponsored by Molina Healthcare of Washington and hosted in partnership by North Olympic Healthcare Network, Harm Reduction Health Center/Clallam County Public Health, Peninsula Behavioral Health, Klallam Counseling Services, Reflections Counseling Services Group, Olympic Personal Growth Center, Jamestown Healing Clinic, Olympic Peninsula Health Services and other local agencies.
This year’s gathering will have a more personal and reflective tone. We are focusing on grief, healing, and connection — and working to destigmatize not only harm reduction and recovery, but also the very real need for grief support.
Many people carry assumptions about what grief counseling "should" look like — quiet rooms, tears, or sitting one-on-one with a therapist. While those spaces are important, grief can also be processed through laughter, movement, art, games, and creative expression. At this year’s IOAD event, we will showcase a variety of grief support experiences to help community members find what resonates with them.
Event activities will include:
• Resources for grief support, behavioral health, recovery, and harm reduction
• Creative art and craft stations for personal reflection and expression
• Quiet spaces for remembrance and mindfulness
• Narcan training
• Music and light snacks
• Stories from those with lived experience of loss and recovery
• City Pier Tower to be lit in purple, in honor of those we’ve lost
While we’ve seen a temporary decrease in overdose deaths earlier this year, the recent rise reminds us: this work is never finished. Your presence sends a clear message that healing is possible, and no one has to walk this path alone.
These small but powerful gestures help make our community visibly supportive and connected.
Together, as #OneBigFamily, we can build a more compassionate, connected community — where healing takes many forms, and support is always within reach.
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Port Angeles, Arts events in Port Angeles, Workshops in Port Angeles.
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