Stratford Hosting Ceremony For Overdose Awareness Day

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford will hold a ceremony in honor of International Awareness Day on Tuesday, Aug. 31.

The Office of the Mayor, Stratford Health Department, Stratford Partnership for Youth and Families, Confidant Health, and Recovery Network of Programs are holding the ceremony to “raise awareness to end overdose, remember those who lost their lives to substance abuse disorders, and provide support for friends and families,” according to a news release.

The ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. on Aug. 31 on the front steps of Stratford Town Hall at 2725 Main Street.

Held on Aug. 31 each year, International Overdose Awareness Day aims to provide raise awareness, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury because of drug overdose and stimulate discussion about overdose prevention and drug policy.

“Addiction and overdose leave lasting and terrible fallout that impacts families and our communities in so many awful ways,” Mayor Laura Hoydick said in a statement. “Our compassion, support and awareness are critical for those in the grips of addiction and those suffering from the loss of loved ones who have succumbed in their own battle.”

Stratford Director of Health Andrea Boissevain said, “Sadly, no community is immune to overdose and we, alongside our community partners, work hard to connect those in need with local resources and raise awareness to end overdose and reduce stigma.”

For more information about the International Overdose Awareness Day ceremony, call the Health Department at 203-385-4090.