Montgomery County to Hold Remembrance Ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 28, in Recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month

For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 7, 2025

Deadline for Commemorative Photo Submissions is Monday, Aug. 18

Montgomery County will host a remembrance ceremony and candlelight vigil on Thursday, Aug. 28, in Downtown Rockville to remember loved ones who have died by overdose. The event will recognize International Overdose Awareness Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about overdoses and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths. It also serves as a prelude to the observance of National Recovery Month in September.

National Recovery Month is a month-long community-wide observance that highlights the importance of recovery and encourages individuals with mental health or substance use disorders to seek help and support.

In 2024, Maryland reported 1,768 overdose deaths, with 75 percent linked to fentanyl. According to the Maryland Department of Health, Montgomery County accounted for 83 of those fatalities.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Plaza, located at 101 Monroe St. (terrace between the Isiah “Ike” Leggett Executive Office Building and Circuit Court). It will include a resource fair and free tours of the Community Opioid Prevention & Education (COPE) trailer. 

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is sponsoring the event.

Registration is only required for those interested in providing information at the resource fair.

Family members and friends will remember loved ones and light candles in their honor at 7:30 p.m. Those wishing to have a loved one memorialized in a commemorative photo display can submit a photo (an individual photo with no one else in the picture). Submit photos and information here. The deadline for submissions is Monday, Aug. 18.

"Substance use and overdose have touched too many families in our community, and we have a responsibility to respond with compassion, support and action,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We recognize the pain that so many people are living with, and we stand with those who are grieving, those who are in recovery and those still struggling. Events like International Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month help us come together as a community to reduce stigma, raise awareness and make sure people know that help is available. Montgomery County will continue to help ensure everyone can access the care and resources needed to move forward.”

National Recovery Month helps increase awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders. It also promotes the message that behavioral health is a critical part of overall health — prevention works, treatment is effective and recovery is possible. To help reduce stigma, vendors and media are encouraged to use respectful and accurate language when discussing these issues.

Free parking is available in the jury parking lot at the corner of East Jefferson and Monroe Streets in Rockville.

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Release ID: 25-301
Media Contact: Jennifer Garfinkel 240-962-1506
Categories: Consumer, Education, Health