August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. This year, there are several events throughout Connecticut to remember without stigma those who have died, to acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind, and to offer resources and support. This year’s theme is “25 Years On. Still Needed.” to highlight the 25th anniversary of this awareness day and the continued need for education, policy changes, and prevention efforts.
Overdose deaths are preventable. We know that criminalizing drug use hasn’t worked. More compassionate alternatives are necessary – including harm reduction approaches, more access to recovery support and recovery coaching, and more widely available access to and education for overdose reversal medications like Naloxone.
Events in Connecticut for 2026
Monday August 31
- International Overdose Awareness Day Event at the Village 331 Wethersfield Avenue Hartford, CT 11am-2pm
- Manchester Overdose Awareness Day 520 Center Street Manchester, CT 11am-3pm
- Guilford Overdose Awareness Day 79 Whitfield Street Guilford, CT (Town Green) 3pm-6pm
- New Britain Overdose Awareness Day Walnut Hill Park (West Main Street) 4pm
- Annual Overdose Awareness Day Vigil Coe Park, Torrington, CT 5pm-8pm
- 10th Annual International Overdose Awareness Day Vigil 210 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT (CT State Capitol Building Lawn) 7pm
- Westbrook Overdose Awareness Day Resource Fair & Community Vigil Westbrook Town Green 6pm-8pm
Tuesday September 1
- 10th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil 6 South Avenue, New Canaan, CT 6pm-9pm
Wednesday September 9
- Recovery Month Celebration and Resource Fair Waterbury City Hall 2pm-4pm
Getting Connected with Support
If you or someone you know is looking for support, check out the CT Support Group’s Peer Support Offerings page or reach out to our project manager, Quinn at qjannetty@positivedirections.org to get connected to resources in CT.