NTX Overdose Awareness Day set for Aug. 31 in Denton

Posted by Chris Wilson | Date: July 29th, 2022 | Categories: Blog | Tags: Community, Community Health, community outreach, Denton, DFWHC Foundation, drug abuse, drug misuse, educational event, epidemics, opioid epidemic, opioid safety, public safety, Reacting to Opioid Overdose (ROO), Safety, social awareness

The Reacting to Opioid Overdose (ROO) team has announced a North Texas Overdose Awareness Day will be held on Wednesday, August 31 at the Denton Courthouse and Square from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., CST. Representatives of the DFW Hospital Council Foundation will also be present.

During the event, the Denton County Courthouse and downtown skyline will be lit purple in support of the cause. In addition, multiple speakers, 40-plus providers, live music, food and a memorial will also be presented.

ROO was created in honor of Randy Roland who died in 2016 at the young age of 32 from an accidental opioid overdose. Randy’s death was one of many linked to the surge of fentanyl in Texas at the time. In 2021, more than 108,000 people in the U.S. died from an overdose.

The purpose of the event is to:

• Promote awareness and educate the community about the overdose epidemic;
• Provide resources and support for individuals and families struggling with drug-use disorder;
• Reduce the stigma of this disorder and remember those who have been lost to overdose.

This event is free to the public. For information, please contact NorthTexasIOAD@gmail.com.