ABOUT THE EVENT

West Virginia’s Overdose Awareness Day is hosted on or around International Overdose Awareness Day in August each year in the State’s Capital City of Charleston. Founded by Cece and Bobby Brown, who lost their son Ryan 10 years ago to overdose, the event is coordinated by the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute with support from the American Friends Service Committee. This August 2025, the event will be shared with Mobilize Recovery’s Campus Surge 2025 initiative. This initiative is designed to dismantle barriers, raise awareness, and champion the vital truth that hope, healing, and recovery are achievable for everyone.

 

These events at college campuses across the country focused on:

• Education: Workshops and seminars on addiction, recovery, and mental health.

• Empowerment: Leadership training and advocacy strategies for student leaders.

• Community Engagement: Shared experiences through concerts, town halls, and interactive exhibits.

• Life-Saving Resources: Distribution of overdose reversal agents and fentanyl test strips to reduce fatalities.

 

This year’s West Virginia Overdose Awareness Day will be held in conjunction with Mobilize Recovery’s Campus Surge Kick-Off and will feature special musical guests, educational sessions, resource tables, a butterfly release and more! The event is scheduled from 4pm until 7:30pm at the University of Charleston.