Annual event will honor lives lost, while providing resources and connections for prevention and recovery.
Roanoke, VA – Communities across Roanoke Valley will come together on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 5-7 PM at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave, Roanoke, VA 24011) to honor those who’ve experienced overdose with a call for action to prevent further deaths.
This gathering, hosted annually by the Roanoke Valley Collective Response (RVCR), is part of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) — a global campaign that brings people together to honor lives lost, raise awareness, and create change. IOAD is observed annually on August 31, with events in more than 40 countries.
This free, public event will feature:
- A tribute slideshow honoring loved ones lost to overdose
- A memorial wall (attendees are encouraged to bring a photo)
- Resources and connections to local recovery and prevention services
- A space for healing, remembrance, and hope
Attendees can submit the name of a loved one for inclusion in the tribute slideshow by emailing abauter@rvarc.org.
Bailey Medeiros, Director of RVCR, said the event is a safe space for people who have lost a loved one to overdose to connect with others who share that experience, and that its “an invitation to come in for an evening, be seen and have a space to be connected with resources and be comfortable to grieve as needed.”
Overdose continues to be a leading cause of preventable death in our region and across the Commonwealth. According to the Virginia Department of Health, hundreds of Virginians lose their lives each year to drug overdose, with many due to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
In addition to attending the August 27 event, RVCR invites the entire community to take part in the Light It Up Purple campaign on Sunday, August 31.
Homes, businesses, and landmarks across the Roanoke Valley can show their support by shining purple lights that evening. Purple is the official color of IOAD and symbolizes remembrance, support, and hope. Whether by changing a porch light, illuminating a storefront, or spotlighting a landmark, lighting up purple sends a powerful message that overdose is preventable and that our community stands together.
The Roanoke Valley Collective Response is a leading initiative tackling the addiction crises in the Roanoke Valley since 2018. Their mission is to combat the opioid and addiction crisis with a collaborative, multi-sector strategy focusing on the root causes of addiction. Their approach combines evidence-based practices with local insights, creating regional-specific solutions. Strategies include prevention, advanced treatment programs, long-term recovery support, and resources for families impacted by addiction, ensuring a comprehensive response to this complex challenge.
International Overdose Awareness Day is convened by the Penington Institute, an independent drug policy nonprofit. More than 1,000 local events across 40 countries take place each year. Learn more at overdoseday.com.
