PORT ANGELES — Revitalize Port Angeles and the Port Angeles Citizen Action Network will mark International Overdose Awareness Day in Clallam County with a candlelight vigil and walk from Civic Field starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31.
Opening ceremonies will be conducted by Deputy Mayor Patrick Downie, followed by a walk to Olympic Medical Center at 939 Caroline St. and back to Civic Field at Third and Race streets.
At this free event, citizens can gather as a symbol of hope in reaching the addicts still suffering or give testimonial to those already lost.
A limited amount of electric candles, signs and silver ribbons will be available for participants to carry.
Silver or gray shirts are encouraged as attire but not required.
Silver is the internationally recognized color associated with the International Overdose Awareness Day campaign.
The event, originally organized in 2001, is based on the understanding that no one need feel shame or disgrace over a drug overdose.
Clallam County currently holds the highest rate of deaths caused by opiate overdose in the state. Many are caused by intravenous use of heroin.
For more information about the international effort, visit www.overdoseday.com.