#IOAD23 #wavesofawareness

In honor of International Overdose Awareness Day and the almost 5,000 Ohioans lost last year to accidental overdoses, a coalition in Northeast Ohio will host the “Waves of Awareness” event on Thursday, August 31, 2023, in Cleveland’s Public Square.

Waves of Awareness will unite communities across Northeast Ohio to honor and remember our friends and family members lost to accidental overdoses.

Together, we can build awareness, and also celebrate messages of hope, reminding everyone that overdose deaths are preventable, recovery is possible, and everyone deserves equal access to recovery.

The day-long event in Cleveland’s Public Square will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a video slideshow from the main stage, accompanied by the ringing of the bells at the Old Stone Church. A short program will follow featuring public officials and community speakers.

Five thousand purple flags will be installed in the lawn by members of the Ohio National Guard, symbolizing the almost 5,000 Ohioans lost last year. Up to 60 community providers and the MetroHealth Mobile RV will be on site to provide resources and information. Food trucks, music, “Yoga in the Park” and messages of hope and testimonies from the stage will be held throughout the day.

The event concludes at dusk with a candlelight “Walk of Remembrance” and a “Light Up Cleveland” event illuminating Public Square, Terminal Tower and Progressive Field in purple lights.

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In honor and memory of our loves ones lost to accidental overdose poisonings.

Event Details

Name of Event: Waves of Awareness

Primary Sponsors: ADAMHS Board, Centers for Health Affairs, Community West Foundation, Metro Hospital, Stella Maris, Inc.

Location of Event: Public Square, Downtown Cleveland

When is the event: August 31, 2023

Event Start Time: 11:30am

Program Ends: 8:00pm

Event Highlights

5,000 purple flags on the lawn to symbolize 5,000 Ohioans lost last year to accidental overdoses
Speakers & Community Leaders
Over 60 Exhibitors and Community Partners
Food Trucks
Music
Yoga in the Square
Candlelit Walk of Remembrance
Purple Lighting of the water features/fountains, Progressive Field, Terminal Tower

Support for this event was made possible by Grant Number 5H79TI083294-03 from SAMHSA. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the author and to not necessarily represent the official views of SAMHSA.