Fargo

This year on August 31, we acknowledge and support the people in our communities who go unrecognized by raising awareness of the hidden impacts of overdose, and promoting education of overdose response. We would like to say to these people: “we see you.” Theirs are the voices we should amplify, and their strength and experience should be held up as examples to us all. Too often, however, they are left to bear the burden of this crisis alone and in silence.

In recognition of IOAD, FCPH is hosting a Chalk Talk event on Thursday, August 31, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m, in the parking lot at their Harm Reduction Center, located at 510 5th Street North, Fargo. Program participants and community members are invited to share their strength and experience through chalk drawings and writings; chalk will be provided. In addition, local artist Kim Jore will commorate loved ones lost to overdose by adding their initials to the IOAD mural located on the south outside wall of the Harm Reduction Center. Community members can stop by from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to provide initials to Jore.

FCPH will highlight IOAD additionally through social media, a mayoral proclamation, the illumination of Fargo City Hall in purple- the color for overdose awareness, and by placing purple flags on the Harm Reduction Center’s lawn to signify the 41 lives lost to overdose in 2022 in Cass County.