On Sunday, Aug. 31, Missoula will join communities around the world in recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day. It’s a day to remember those we’ve lost to overdose, to support the people who carry that grief every day, and to remind ourselves that every single life lost was one too many.
Since 2014, nearly 185 lives have been cut short by overdose in Missoula County. Each of those numbers represents someone’s child, sibling, parent, friend, or neighbor. The ripple effect of that loss is felt in families, in schools, in workplaces, and across our community.
This year, Missoula Public Health and members of the Missoula Drug Safety Coalition have organized a series of events to create space for remembrance, learning, and action. These gatherings are not just about acknowledging the crisis of overdose, they are about finding strength together, reducing stigma, and making sure people know help and resources are available.
- On Monday, Aug. 25, the Missoula City Council will issue an official proclamation recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day.
- Community members can connect at the Franklin to Fort Resiliency Festival on Wednesday, Aug. 27, where free Narcan and fentanyl test strips will be available.
- On Thursday, Aug. 28, Recovery Friendly Montana will host an online Overdose Prevention and Response Training—a chance to learn lifesaving skills from home.
- Students for Sensible Drug Policy will hold two events at the University of Montana Oval (Friday, Aug. 29 & Sunday, Aug. 31), offering resources and education to young people and community members alike.
- The week culminates on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 8:30 p.m., when Main Hall on the UM campus will be lit up during a candlelight vigil to honor lives lost.
- And in September, a Training the Trainer workshop at UM will empower more people to carry this work forward.
International Overdose Awareness Day is not just about numbers—it’s about people. It’s about standing beside those who have lost someone and refusing to let stigma silence us. It’s about learning the simple steps that could save a life. And it’s about building a community where compassion, care, and connection outweigh judgment and shame.
Nationally, overdose deaths declined by 27% in 2024, thanks to greater access to tools like naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, treatment, and recovery support. Missoula is part of that movement: Narcan is available free through Missoula Public Health, Open Aid Alliance, and harm reduction kiosks located at the Mountain Line Transfer Center, Missoula Food Bank, Johnson Street Shelter, and Hope Rescue Mission Drop-In Center.
This year, we invite you to join one of the events, pick up Narcan to carry with you, or simply take a moment on August 31 to remember and reflect. Together, we can keep more families whole and more futures intact. Every life matters. Every life lost is one too many.