*This article contains information about drug overdose, prevention and awareness*

On Aug. 31, communities throughout the world observe International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) to remember those who died from overdoses and raise awareness for support and resources in local communities. This year, Zepf Center will facilitate several opportunities for clients, staff and community members to remember loved ones and raise awareness for opioid and other drug overdoses.

IOAD began in 2001 and remains the world’s largest campaign to remember those who have died from overdoses and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind—without stigma. The day, and events held on the day, raise awareness for opioid and other drug overdoses, which are one of the world’s worst public health crises. The goal for this day of remembrance is to inspire action and discussion about drug policy and evidence-based overdose prevention.

Each year in the Toledo area, the Lucas County Opiate Coalition and Northwest Ohio Syringe Services (NOSS) come together on IOAD for their annual Chalk the Walk event. Through chalking, yoga, memorials and more, the community is encouraged to remember those lost to overdoses. Participants also have the opportunity to obtain community resources to raise awareness around drug overdoses and learn about prevention methods.

After volunteering with the NOSS street team in 2020, Zepf Center Case Manager Zach Duvall attended his first Chalk the Walk event later that same year.

Although Duvall paused his involvement with the street team in 2021, he continues participating in the event and raising awareness for opioid overdoses through his colorful and captivating murals.

“It's important to raise awareness because the opioid epidemic affects us all,” Duvall said. “Overdoses happen everywhere. It's only a matter of time until one happens [that impacts your life].”

This year, Zepf Center will honor IOAD with chalking events at their Ashland location before joining the event at Promenade Park in the afternoon. Duvall is once again preparing to use his artistic talents to participate in the Zepf Center and community events.

The Zepf Center event will be held at 2005 Ashland from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31. Clients and community members will have the chance to participate in chalking, receive free naloxone, access prevention resources and participate in a community art project.

Zepf Center staff will also participate in the community event located in Promenade Park near the waterfront of downtown Toledo. That event will be held from 2-7 p.m. and include multiple community partners, memorial displays, group activities and more.

In addition to the morning Zepf Center chalking and the afternoon community event, Zepf Center Family Support Specialist Karen Freiberger also plans to incorporate IOAD activities into her weekly Family Support Meeting.

“It is important that [our clients] are reminded why they want recovery for themselves and others,” Freiberger said. “My goal is to involve those in recovery by helping others begin their recovery journey and to remember those that passed."

For more information about Chalk the Walk, click here.

To learn how you can raise awareness for opioid overdose year-round, click here.