The City of Fitchburg Health Department invites the public to attend an Overdose Awareness Vigil to be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at the Upper Common, Main Street, Fitchburg. A variety of resource tables will be available at 6:15pm and the Vigil will begin at 7pm.

This is a time to join together and remember lives lost to overdose while giving hope to those struggling. Once again, the gazebo will be lit up purple representing overdose awareness. Several speakers will reflect on the impact overdose has had on their lives. This is always a powerful program and enables the community to gather in an atmosphere of fellowship and support. Inspirational music will be featured and food will be available. Residents are welcome to bring a chair to the event which traditionally ends around 8pm with the raising of purple glow sticks in memory of those who have passed from overdose, reminding us that there is help and there is hope.

Narcan training and distribution will be available throughout the evening. Luminary Bags will be available for remembrance and Purple ribbons will be distributed for residents to wear on International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31.

To honor a loved one lost overdose, please email a photograph to . Luminary memorial bags will be available for decoration that evening or can be picked up at the Outreach & Prevention Office, 2nd Floor, 14 Wallace Ave, Fitchburg. The luminary bags will be lit and displayed throughout the event.