Vigil for Idahoans lost to overdose today

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, the North Idaho AIDS Alliance will host a vigil at Coeur d’Alene City Park today from noon to 2 p.m. 

The memorial event is open for the community to honor Idahoans lost to overdose, NIAC Executive Director Theresa Davis said. 

“This awareness day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose,” Davis said. “(It) remembers without stigma those who have died and acknowledges the grief of the family and friends left behind.” 

At the event, NIAC will provide educational information about overdose, Narcan — an opioid reversal medication and alliance services, Davis said. 

NIAC staff hope is to bring awareness to the opioid epidemic in Idaho. As of Aug. 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 281 Idahoans have died from a drug overdose in the last 12 months. 

“Our message is simple — the tragedy of overdose death is preventable, and more must be done to save lives,” Davis said. 

Those interested in paying tribute to loved ones lost by overdose can go to www.overdoseday.com.