August 31, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center will host a remembrance event today for International Overdose Awareness Day.
- The event will honor people who died from overdose and support grieving families and friends.
- Free naloxone, harm reduction materials and refreshments will be available.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Each Aug. 31, International Overdose Awareness Day brings people together worldwide to remember loved ones lost to overdose. This year’s theme is “25 Years On. Still Needed.”
Now in its 25th year, the observance calls attention to overdose deaths and the lifesaving steps communities can take to prevent them.
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center will host a remembrance event at 4:30 p.m. today with reflections, personal stories of recovery and hope and time to honor loved ones.
Remembrance event
The free event will be held at The Ohio State University East Hospital’s Talbot Hall Wallace Auditorium, 181 Taylor Avenue, Columbus, Ohio.
Media and attendees should enter through the Outpatient Surgery East doors. Free parking for visitors is available in the hospital’s West Lot, outside the Surgery entrance.
Free naloxone, harm reduction materials and refreshments will be provided. Naloxone is sold over the counter without a prescription, and Ohio State Pharmacies offer it for free.
When to administer naloxone
If someone is unconscious, not breathing and unable to respond when gently shaken, naloxone should be administered. If the person has passed out for another reason other than an opioid overdose, giving them naloxone will not cause any harm.
How to administer naloxone
- Check the person who might be having an overdose.
- Shout their name and shake their shoulder.
- If they are not breathing, open naloxone nasal spray and spray into their nostrils.
- Call 911 to make sure they get attention from emergency medical services.
- Another dose of naloxone may be needed if they don’t respond to the first dose after 2-3 minutes.
- Stay with them until emergency help arrives.
- Watch this video to learn how to administer naloxone.
Media Contact
Eileen Scahill, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center Media Relations, Eileen.Scahill@osumc.edu | 614-293-2092