25th International Overdose Awareness Day

LANCASTER, OH — The Fairfield County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health
(ADAMH) Services Board joins communities worldwide to mark 25 years of
remembrance, awareness, and action for the global campaign dedicated to ending
overdose and honoring those who have died.

Several agencies and community leaders will observe International Overdose
Awareness Day at a community event on August 27, 2026, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at the
gazebo in downtown Lancaster.

This year’s official theme, “25 Years On. Still Needed.,” reflects a sobering reality:
overdose continues to affect people from every walk of life across Fairfield County and
beyond. Behind every statistic is a person who was deeply loved and valued, and each
loss leaves a profound impact on families, friends, and local communities.

While the anniversary highlights a persistent crisis, the theme also points directly
to hope and individuals who have recovered will be sharing their recovery journey
stories at the event that evening. Overdose is preventable. Timely access to community
support, public education, naloxone (Narcan), evidence-based treatment, and robust
recovery resources actively save lives every day.

Aligning with this global movement, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) is carrying the 2026 theme forward with an action-focused
framework: Still Needed. Still Taking Action. Still Saving Lives.

“Twenty-five years later, our mission remains as urgent as ever,” said Marcy
Fields, the Executive Director of the Fairfield County ADAMH Board. “We are still taking
action by expanding local access to life-saving harm reduction tools and treatment.
Every life is valuable, and by working together, our community can prevent these
tragedies and support lasting recovery.”

Residents looking for resources, naloxone training, or mental health and
addiction support in Fairfield County are encouraged to visit http://www.fairfieldadamh.org or
call the local crisis line at 740-687-8255 or 988.