Carrying Their Light: Honoring Lives Lost to Overdose
Contributed by Shelley Little, Public Health Nurse, BFHD
International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31st, began in Australia in 2001 and has grown into a global campaign. Twenty-five years later, it continues to honor those lost to overdose and the families and friends carrying their memories forward.
At Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD), we track overdose deaths to better understand who is most affected, strengthen prevention efforts and help more people get a second chance. This year, we join communities around the world in remembering those lost and turning remembrance into action.
Art Credit: Nancy Delgado
One way to honor those lost is to carry naloxone—also known by the brand name Narcan. Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, giving someone time to receive emergency care.
Naloxone is available over the counter at many pharmacies and major retailers. Those who can may purchase it directly or use insurance. Free naloxone is also available through community organizations and the Washington State Department of Health’s Naloxone Finder. Adventures Underground also provides free naloxone but is not currently shown on the map. Thank you, AU, for all you do!
[Naloxone Finder | Washington State Department of Health]
Naloxone is safe and easy to carry in a purse, backpack or first-aid kit. Anyone can carry it—and anyone can save a life.
Washington’s Good Samaritan Overdose Law provides some legal protection for people who seek emergency medical help in good faith during an overdose. Anyone may carry and administer naloxone—so call 911, give naloxone and stay with the person until help arrives.
Visit BFHD’s Be a User, Save a Life website at www.BeAUser.org to learn how to recognize and respond to an overdose, safely store medications and support people wherever they are in their recovery.
Want to join others in honoring loved ones lost. Join the community, hosted by the grassroots group: Overdose Awareness Tri-Cities, Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Lampson office parking lot, 607 E. Columbia Drive in Kennewick:
- Resource tables: 1 p.m.
- Memorial Remembrance Ceremony: 5:30 p.m.
- Cable Bridge walk: 7 p.m.
Together, we will remember those lost, support the people who loved them and strengthen our commitment to saving lives.