Overdose Awareness Day observance slated Aug. 31

The mother of a 15-year-old Lexington High School student who died after taking a pressed pill laced with fentanyl will address attendees at the fifth annual International Overdose Awareness Day observance planned from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at the First Baptist Church of Lexington Student Center.

The Courage Center, a recovery community organization that serves people with substance use disorder, partners with state and local groups to hold annual remembrance events for those whose loved ones have died by drug overdose in Lexington County.

“Parents and family members who have experienced this tragic loss are the primary organizers of the Lexington annual event,” The Courage Center’s Pamela S. Imm, Ph.D, wrote in a 2025 letter to the editor published in the Chronicle. “While fatal overdoses are trending downward in the state and in the county, efforts continue to further decrease fatal and nonfatal overdoses using evidence-based practices.”

The Courage Center works to make naloxone, a lifesaving opioid overdose antidote, available in the community and provides no-cost recovery services.

Overdose Awareness Day will honor those lost to fatal overdoses. To honor a loved one at the event, email the person’s photo, name and age to Karen at honoringourchildren@gmail.com.

For more information on the Aug. 31 observance, email drpamimm@gmail.com.