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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 22, 2025

Contact: Caroline Reinwald
Office: (414) 286-3780
Cell: (414) 308-5556
[email protected]


Milwaukee Leaders to Announce International Overdose Awareness Day 2025 Events

MILWAUKEE – International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), observed globally on August 31, is dedicated to remembering those lost to overdose and supporting families, friends, and survivors impacted by this crisis.

Ahead of the annual observance, Milwaukee leaders will hold a press conference on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the City Hall Rotunda. Officials will announce details of this year’s events, highlight recent progress in overdose prevention, and underscore the continued urgency of community-wide efforts.

The theme for 2025, Driven by Hope, reflects the resilience of those affected and the importance of collective action to prevent future losses.

Milwaukee has seen a meaningful decline in fatal overdoses after several years of record highs. In 2024, 369 people in the city died to overdose, a 30% decrease compared to the peak years of 2021–2023. Milwaukee leaders attribute this progress to collective community efforts, including greater access to naloxone, fentanyl test strips, treatment, and recovery supports. While the trend is encouraging, officials stress that every life lost is one too many and that continued vigilance is needed to sustain this progress.

“Every life lost to overdose is one too many,” said Milwaukee Commissioner of Health Mike Totoraitis, PhD. “While we are encouraged by the recent decline in overdose deaths, this crisis is not over. We remain committed to equipping our community with the tools, resources, and compassion needed to prevent overdoses and support recovery."


WHERE
Milwaukee City Hall Rotunda
200 E. Wells Street

WHEN
Monday, August 25, 2025
11:00 a.m.

WHO

  • Mayor Cavalier Johnson
  • Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski
  • Marques Hogans, City of Milwaukee Health Department
  • Milwaukee County representative
  • Tahira Malik, RISE Drug Free MKE Coalition
  • Additional community leaders and advocates
     


Community Events: Driven by Hope

In addition to Monday’s press conference, the community is invited to participate in International Overdose Awareness Day observance events:

  • Healing Together, Driven by Hope
    Friday, August 29 | 5–8 p.m. | Mitchell Park Pavilion
    A community-focused gathering with poetry, yoga, memorial activities, and local resource tables to support healing and remembrance.
     
  • International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial: Driven by Hope
    Sunday, August 31 | 5–7:30 p.m. | Washington Park
    Includes speakers, a dedication station, and a candlelight vigil to honor lives lost to overdose.
     
  • At dusk on August 31, the Hoan Bridge will be illuminated purple in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.

 

Overdose prevention resources and information will also be available at Milwaukee City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., from August 25–29, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. daily.