Residents can submit names of loved-ones to be remembered during the event.
Frederick, Md (KM) A vigil to remember those who lost their lives to overdoses is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27th at 7:00 PM at the JBK Theater at Frederick Community College. It’s being hosted by the Frederick County Health Department.
“So Overdose Awareness Day being so close to and often observed as part of National Recovery Month, we really wanted to provide a space separate for family and friends to grieve,” says Jessica Ellis, the Harm Reduction and Diversions Manager for the Health Department.
She says it’s a chance to remember these individuals for more than just their addictions. “It’s really important to remember them because it helps raise awareness. It also allows us an opportunity to humanize those individuals and really break down stigma that’s in our community surrounding addiction,” says Ellis.
The theme for this year is ” Remembering Love & Restoring hope.”
Anyone who has loved ones whom they want included in the event can submit their names on line. The web address is https://frederickcountymd-training.form.transform.civiciplus.com/48035. The deadline to make a submission is July 18th, 2025.
Ellis says there is some good news when it come overdoses locally. “So right now, the good news is that fatal overdoses are down,” she said. “But we are really seeing changes in the drug supply. So it’s important that the community that we remain vigilant in continuing to provide education and life-saving tools like Naloxone,” she says.
Overdoses aren’t always caused by illegal drugs. Ellis says it could be prescription and non-prescription medications and alcohol. “We do see people of all ages overdose,” she says. “And we know that everyone who dies is going to be remembered as someone’s brother or sister or parent or child.” says Ellis.
There some signs that someone is suffering from an overdose. “Problems at work; maybe, problems at school; frequent intoxication; that individual could be experiencing withdrawal symptoms. They could have the inability to stop using drugs and alcohol,”: says Ellis.
There is help for those who want to break free from their addictions. “The best starting point would be to call 988 because there are resources available locally and nationally that can assist people with connections to substance use treatment,” says Ellis.
She notes that 988 is a suicide prevention number, but callers can be connected to services they need to beat their addictions and get on the road to recovery.
Residents can also call the Health Department’s Behavioral Health Services at 301-600-1777, and get the information they need on treatment and harm reduction services. They can also send an e-mail o [email protected].
Eilis says there is training for those who want to know what to do when they see someone who is having an overdose. “Frederick County Health Department still offers free overdose response training, and that’s held every Friday at 1:00 PM both virtually and in person,” she says. “The in-person training sessions are held here at the Health Department at 350 Montevue Lane. And part of that training includes a Naloxone kit.”
By Kevin McManus