Harrisburg

Team Sharing-PA will host a ceremony of remembrance on Friday, August 30th, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to memorialize those lost to an overdose or substance use related death. The event will commemorate “International Overdose Awareness Day”, a global event and annual campaign, to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. The color purple has been adopted internationally to signify support. The Capitol lighting goes purple, on August 29thth spotlighting the impact of overdose and substance related deaths.

This landmark event gathers the community to reflect and remember the lives lost, acknowledges the incredible work being done on the frontlines of the opioid/fentanyl epidemic, and reminds one another of the importance of harm reduction and overdose prevention.
Pennsylvania’s Overdose Awareness Day event will begin with an opening prayer and a Dove release in memory of those lost to a substance related cause. Multiple individuals and politicians will be in attendance to share remarks.

Free Narcan and fentanyl and xylazine test strips will be provided throughout the event by Sarah Laurel and her team from Savage Sisters Recovery, Inc. a non-profit providing trauma informed recovery housing, harm reduction, street-based outreach, and statewide education.

The event will include memorial photos and memorabilia that will be displayed on the steps and banners depicting those lost to overdose. We will be joined by other non-profit groups, and many from all over Pennsylvania who share in our mission. This is our 5th annual IOAD event, and it grows every year. This year to conclude the event we will distribute flowers, march to the river, and throw the flowers into the water. All are welcome to bring photos of their loved one, lawn chairs, and any food and drinks you may require.

Team Sharing-PA, is a chapter of Team Sharing, Inc., a national organization of parents who have lost a child to Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Through social networking, community activism, grief services, and advocacy, Team Sharing provides support and friendship to grieving families while working to raise awareness of substance use disorder and its impact on our communities. Team Sharing was founded in 2015 by Cheryl Juaire, of Marlborough, Massachusetts who lost her son Corey. In 2017 Team Sharing, Inc. became a 501(c)3 nonprofit. In March of 2021 Cheryl lost another son, Sean, to the disease of addiction.