Rhode Island State House to be lit purple on Friday and Saturday 

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee and First Lady Susan McKee are recognizing August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day in Rhode Island. In solidarity with Rhode Islanders who have lost loved ones to an overdose death, the State House will be lit purple on both Friday, August 30, and Saturday, August 31. 

“Rhode Island stands with families, friends, and neighbors who have lost loved ones to an overdose death, and we remain committed to doing our part to help end these devastating tragedies,” said Governor Dan McKee. “On International Overdose Awareness Day, we affirm our commitment to providing support and resources for prevention and recovery. By working together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community and save lives.” 

"My heart breaks for every person who has lost a loved one to overdose. The Governor and I remain committed to raising awareness to end the pain and suffering it causes too many families," said First Lady Susan McKee. "I'm grateful to the health care professionals, nonprofits, and other organizations who do the important work to combat this crisis every single day." 

“International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember people who have lost their lives, and it is also a time to remind people that recovery is possible, and overdoses are preventable,” said Richard Leclerc, Director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals. “Knowing this, we will continue to work strategically with our state and community partners to prevent overdoses, by investing in and providing services that are focused on awareness, prevention, and connecting people with care.” 

“In every town or city in our state, we have lost community members to overdose. It's important to recognize that each life represents a person and is a significant loss for families, friends, and loved ones,” said Director of Health Jerome Larkin, MD. “International Overdose Awareness Day is a reminder that each of us can be part of the solution to ending this crisis. We can take action today and every day by carrying the overdose reversal medicine, naloxone, and being a community first responder in the event of an emergency. We can also have open and honest conversations with our loved ones to break the cycle of stigma that surrounds substance use and overdose. Every action is critical in ending overdose.” 

In November 2022, Governor McKee signed an executive order establishing the Governor’s Overdose Awareness and Intervention Task Force. The task force, comprised of professionals and community members, aims to develop a strategic plan to end the overdose crisis by ensuring racial equity, uplifting community voices, using data to drive change, and building connections to care. The Task Force targets the root causes of overdose, including the socioeconomic factors that influence health. 

"International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to bring awareness and to remember families and communities that have been impacted by overdose, "said Cathy Schultz, Director of the Governor's Overdose Task. " This task force — and our state — remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Rhode Islanders dealing with addiction, promoting treatment options, and helping meet the State’s goals of reducing the number of lives lost and improving people’s lives."

Below is a list of several events happening across Rhode Island this weekend to recognize and support International Overdose Awareness Day:

International Overdose Awareness Day Vigil

WHEN: Friday, August 30, 2024, 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M

WHERE: Burnside Park, 40 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI 

International Overdose Awareness Open House & Vigil 

WHEN: Friday, August 30, 2024, 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M 

WHERE: Arctic Gazebo, 6 Washington Street, West Warwick, RI 

Recovery Friendly Workplaces RI Narcan Distribution Event 

WHEN: Saturday, August 31, 2024, 8:00 A.M to 12:00 P.M 

WHERE: 807 Broad Street, Providence, RI 

Candlelight Vigil & Walk 

WHEN: Saturday, August 31, 2024, 6:00 P.M 

WHERE: East Bay Recovery Center, 31 Railroad Avenue, Warren, RI

For more resources, visit the Prevent Overdose RI website.