MOSES LAKE — Grant County residents will have an opportunity to honor loved ones lost to overdose, learn about recovery resources and receive free naloxone training during the county's fourth annual International Overdose Awareness Day event Saturday at McCosh Park. 

The Grant County Health District is partnering with the Moses Lake Farmers Market to host the event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the park, 401 W. Fourth Ave. 

The annual observance comes as overdose continues to impact families throughout the county. According to the health district, 100 overdose-related deaths were reported in Grant County between 2021 and 2023. 

The event will feature local health care, prevention and recovery organizations, along with educational opportunities and a tribute to those affected by overdose. 

"We'll have a lineup of different community resources there," said Lexi Smith, public information officer for the Grant County Health District. "It ranges from health care to just different recovery and prevention services." 

Visitors will be able to receive free naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, and learn how to administer the medication. Naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when given promptly. 

"It is very important to carry, even if you're not around somebody who uses drugs," Smith said. "Just having it when you're out and about in the community, you never know when it could save a life. It's the one tool we have to reverse overdose." 

As part of the event, attendees can dedicate white flags in memory of those who died from overdose and purple flags honoring individuals whose lives were saved through naloxone administration. 

The health district will also distribute educational materials and promotional items supporting its "Everyone Has a Why" campaign, which aims to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. 

Smith said one of the most common misconceptions about addiction is viewing it as a person's entire identity. 

"Everyone has a reason that leads to addiction," Smith said. "It could be struggle, loss, pain, or something else completely. But it's never the whole story. It's just one part of a person's journey, and overdose and addiction can affect people from all walks of life. It doesn't discriminate." 

Reducing stigma is a critical part of prevention and recovery efforts, she added. 

"When people are scared to seek help, they won't," Smith said. "Or if they feel that they will be judged by their family or their community, it's an added barrier to something that's already really hard to do. So, showing them that as a community, we're here to help support, and we see them. That’s really important." 

Resources available locally include recovery navigator services through Advance, behavioral health treatment through Renew, recovery housing through Oxford House and support groups meeting at the Alano Club, among other programs. 

Smith said International Overdose Awareness Day is designed not only to remember those lost but also to remind families that recovery and prevention efforts can make a difference. 

"This is the 25th year that this event has been happening as a nation," Smith said. "And while we still have to do it right now, it doesn't have to be something that happens forever. And that together, we're stronger, and we can end overdose." 

More information about the event is available through the Grant County Health District. 

International Overdose Awareness Day 

Aug. 29 

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

McCosh Park  

401 W Fourth Ave., Moses Lake 

    The Grant County Health District is partnering with the Moses Lake Farmers Market to host an International Overdose Awareness Day event Saturday at McCosh Park. There will be resources, GCHD merch and naloxone available for free at the event.