August 14, 2024, Press Release from the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board: LIMA, OH (August 14, 2024): The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board (MHRSB) of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties, along with community partners, presents the International Overdose Awareness Day on Thursday, August 29, in Downtown Lima’s Town Square.
The free public event, now in its second year, will be held in the NE Quad of Downtown Lima’s Town Square from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Everyone is invited to come together for an afternoon of remembrance, education, and support. Attendees can look forward to food, giveaways, children’s activities, and resources provided by partner agencies. Free Narcan (Naloxone) will be available.
This year’s event is made possible through our partners, including PASS, Allen County Health Department, BrightView, State Bank, Restoration House of Lima Inc., and West Ohio Food Bank.
Along with the event, International Overdose Awareness Day t-shirts are available for purchase. Proceeds from the sales will help fund next year’s event. Orders can be placed online at ohiooverdoseawareness2025.spiritsale.com. Once the t-shirts are ready, purchasers will be notified for pick-up at the PASS Office. For those unable to pick up their shirts before the event, they will also be available for collection at the event itself.
International Overdose Awareness Day is observed globally as a day to recognize the deep impact of overdose on individuals, families, and communities. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of overdose prevention efforts and the need for continued advocacy. We are honored to dedicate this year’s event to Dr. Robert A. Wheeler, MD, who pioneered addiction treatment at St. Rita’s Internal Medicine and Medication Management in Mercy Health. Dr. Wheeler’s philosophy of "treatment over punishment, compassion over condemnation, and empathy over placing blame" continues to inspire our community.
For more information or any questions, please contact Jessica Maag at jmaag@passaah.org.
