International Overdose Awareness Day

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day and the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc. (CAASA) invites county residents to participate in this awareness activity.  This worldwide event aims to raise awareness that overdose death is preventable and to reduce the stigma associated with drug related deaths.  It is also a sign of support for those who have lost someone to an overdose and encouragement to those in recovery.  

 Please help us “Light Calvert Purple”.  This is a small and simple gesture that involves installing a purple lightbulb outside your home or in a front window and shining it brightly on August 31st.  CAASA has a limited number of FREE purple lightbulbs available starting August 19th.   They will be distributed at sites around the county .   Be sure to visit a location while supplies last.    

 In addition, you are invited to participate in the Glow Vigil Memorial and/or attend a FREE Narcan training on August 31st.  The Glow Vigil and “Lost Souls” exhibit will be held from 7 to 9 pm at the North Beach Boardwalk Pavilion, while NARCAN trainings will be held throughout the day at Northeast, Southern and Harriet E. Brown Community Centers.    

The memorial event will include the reading of names of those lost to an overdose.  If you'd like a name read, please submit your information to https://glowvigil-ioad-endthestigma.eventbrite.com.  For more information, contact Sandra Mattingly, PositiveVibes, at sandy.otse@yahoo.com or the CAASA Office at 410-535-3733.