Knox County community gathers to remember those lost to overdose

MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County community was given a chance to pause and remember the lives affected by overdose via a moment of reflection Monday.

The gathering at Ariel-Foundation Park marked the 25th year of International Overdose Awareness Day. The annual observance remembers those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose and support families who have lost loved ones over the years.

This year’s theme, “25 years on. Still needed,” recognizes that while progress has been made in preventing deaths, the crisis continues to affect families and communities.

Thomas Fuller, Community Support Services Supervisor at The Freedom Center, said the gathering gives people an opportunity to come together.

“It’s really just people coming together and seeing what’s available in the community, all the different agencies, the resources … All of us getting together in a bit of fellowship about people we lost,” Fuller said.

A number of local organizations tabled at the event to share resources for community members and attendees.

Organizations present included Knox Recovery, Afterglow Christian Mission House, the Winter Sanctuary, Lazarus Life Ministries, New Vision, Anew Behavioral Health, New Directions and Rooted in Recovery.

The event gave family members and friends an opportunity to share stories about loved ones they have lost. An open mic allowed attendees to speak about their personal experiences and grief.

Fuller said giving people the freedom to talk can help them release some of the burden of grief while also letting others know when they need support.

“If you don’t tell people you need help, you’re not gonna get it,” he said.

He said sharing stories can also keep the memory of those lost alive.

“It gives people the chance to give their loved ones, keep them alive, give them another voice,” Fuller said.

Remembering those lost

The event included a collection of signs honoring people who have died from overdose.

Organizers had about two weeks to put their year’s event together after learning funding was available.

Fuller said some of the funding came through a women’s grant that provided money for women in recovery.

That focus will continue in September, when organizers plan to hold a recovery month event at the Glenn A. Gallagher Centre. Fuller said the event will focus on women and mothers in recovery and include a panel featuring women in the community.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Ohio saw a 39.2% relative decrease in the number of overdose deaths between 2020 and 2024. The percentage of overdose deaths involving illegally made fentanyl also decreased by 13.5%.

At the same time, the percentage of overdose deaths with at least one potential opportunity for intervention increased 4.5%.

The CDC’s 2026 theme emphasizes three ideas: overdose continues to affect people, families and communities everywhere; overdose is preventable; and compassionate, evidence-based action can save lives.

“The theme reminds us that overdose affects people from every walk of life and that overdose prevention remains an urgent need,” according to the CDC.

Purple lights close the event

The event ended with purple light flooding the observation tower and bridge, providing a visible reminder of overdose awareness and its effects on the community.

Fuller said purple represents recovery and is associated with several awareness efforts, including overdose, suicide and domestic violence awareness.

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