Bryce’s Treehouse Hosts Inaugural International Overdose Awareness Day Event in Bowie – Aug. 30

Media Contact:
Kimberly Douglas, Founding Director
Bryce’s Treehouse
202-997-5378
kimberly@brycestreehouse.org
www.brycestreehouse.org

Bryce’s Treehouse to Host Inaugural International Overdose Awareness Day Community Event in Bowie

Maryland Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller to deliver special remarks

BOWIE, MD — August 25, 2026 — Bryce’s Treehouse, a Prince George’s County-based nonprofit founded in memory of Bryce Jackson, who died from fentanyl poisoning at age 17 in June 2023, will host its inaugural International Overdose Awareness Day community event on Sunday, August 30, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. at the Kenhill Center, 2614 Kenhill Drive, Bowie, Maryland.

The free community gathering will bring together families, people in recovery, behavioral health and recovery professionals, harm reduction advocates, community organizations, and state and local leaders for an afternoon centered on remembrance, education, healing, recovery, hope, and action.

Maryland Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller will deliver special remarks addressing the current overdose crisis in Maryland, ongoing response efforts, and how communities can help move the work forward.

The afternoon will feature a community resource fair; naloxone education and distribution; Truth Pharm’s Trail of Truth memorial tombstones and community tombstone painting; Remembrance Trees; conversations addressing grief, stigma, substance use disorder, recovery, prevention, and community solutions; and a closing Memorial Candlelight Ceremony.

Tracie Gardner, Executive Director of the National Black Harm Reduction Network, will moderate the panel conversations, bringing together lived experience, family perspectives, behavioral health and recovery professionals, advocates, and community leaders.

“This gathering is about creating the kind of space I wish my family and I had known existed when we needed it—one where people can find information and resources, talk honestly about substance use disorder, remember the people we have lost, support those still struggling, and see that recovery and hope are possible,” said Kimberly Douglas, Founding Director of Bryce’s Treehouse. “We cannot bring back the people we have lost, but we can honor them by helping save lives and making sure other families do not have to navigate this alone.”

The event will conclude with a candlelight ceremony to remember those lost, stand with individuals experiencing substance use disorder and the families who love them, and celebrate those walking the path of recovery as National Recovery Month begins in September.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Bryce’s Treehouse Inaugural International Overdose Awareness Day Community Event
WHEN: Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 2:00–5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Kenhill Center, 2614 Kenhill Drive, Bowie, MD 20715
HOST: Bryce’s Treehouse
MEDIA: Media are invited to attend. Interviews with Kimberly Douglas and participating speakers may be arranged in advance.

For additional information or interview requests, contact Kimberly Douglas at 202-997-5378 or kimberly@brycestreehouse.org.