Saturday marks Overdose Awareness Day

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Saturday marks Overdose Awareness Day, the purpose is to raise awareness for drug overdoses, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends of those left behind.

In Kentucky, in 2023 there were over 1,900 overdose deaths, that’s according to last year’s Drug Overdose Fatality Report.
Governor Andy Beshear has asked that all state office buildings to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset Saturday, in observance of Overdose Awareness Day in Kentucky.
The Governor’s mansion will be lit purple to show support for Overdose Awareness Day.
A mother who lost her son, continues to advocate in his memory, and shared whom her son was.

“We lost our beloved son and brother Jonathan to an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2015 at the age of 25. I wish you could have known our Johnny. He was bright, talented, compassionate and full of life. He had hopes and dreams for his future, but like so many thousands of others, he never got the chance to fulfill those dreams,” said Linda Squire, who shared the memory of her son.

Ms. Squire continues advocating on behalf of her son’s memory… To continue to stop the stigma to increase opportunities for treatment and recovery and to give hope to those that are still struggling.