San Luis Obispo County Hosts Overdose Awareness Day Gathering

• SLO Overdose Awareness Day takes place Aug. 29 at Mitchell Park from noon to 3 p.m.
• The event features free naloxone training, a resource fair, and a candlelit memorial tribute.
• Opioid-related overdose deaths in the county dropped 45% from 78 in 2023 to 42 in 2024.
• Keynote speaker Jamie Metzgar will discuss navigating grief after an overdose loss.

The San Luis Obispo County Department of Behavioral Health and the Opioid Safety Coalition are hosting SLO Overdose Awareness Day to foster community healing and education. Scheduled for Saturday, August 29, this free gathering aims to reduce stigma, distribute life-saving resources, and honor those affected by substance use disorders.

Event Details and Community Resources

The commemoration runs from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Mitchell Park, located at 1400 Osos St. in San Luis Obispo. Attendees can participate in hands-on training to administer free naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. A comprehensive resource fair will connect visitors with local organizations dedicated to substance use prevention and recovery support.

A major highlight of the afternoon is a keynote presentation titled “Talking About Grief: How to Talk About What No One Wants to Talk About.” Jamie Metzgar, Director of Grief Support and Education at Hospice SLO, will guide attendees through conversations about loss and how to support families navigating the aftermath of an overdose.

Early intervention saves lives, and it starts with open conversations. When we talk openly about substance use, grief, and the realities of overdose, we make it easier for people to ask for help. By creating spaces like this event, we work to break down stigma and ensure everyone knows support is available, accessible, and judgment-free. Dana McEwen, Director of Behavioral Health for San Luis Obispo County

“SLO Overdose Awareness Day creates a space for awareness and belonging, where people at all stages of grief can feel supported and seen, and where we remember and honor loved ones lost to overdose,” said Jenn Rhoads, County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Opioid Safety Coordinator. “We celebrate lives saved with naloxone and treatment, and recognize the community still needs us to be vigilant in prevention. By hearing personal stories, learning prevention strategies, and breaking the silence, we can help remove the stigma around overdose. It affects people from all walks of life in SLO County, and only together can we stop it.”

The day will conclude with a solemn candlelit memorial tribute. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event.

Measurable Impact on Central Coast Health Metrics

Recent data underscores the urgency and success of local outreach programs. According to the California Overdose Dashboard, San Luis Obispo County recorded 42 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2024, marking a substantial 45.59 percent decline from the 78 fatalities reported in 2023. Officials attribute this downward trend to sustained preventive measures across the region.

Between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, more than 2,600 free naloxone units were distributed statewide and locally. Educational campaigns have also expanded their reach, with the Fentanyl is Forever initiative generating more than 1,282,230 impressions from community members. Additionally, targeted youth outreach featuring the documentary Fentanyl High has been screened locally to educate younger demographics about synthetic opioid risks.

Roots of the Awareness Initiative

SLO Overdose Awareness Day was established by Kim Lacey following the tragic accidental overdose of her son. Operating as a local nonprofit, the organization partners with International Overdose Awareness Day, an initiative originating in Australia, to create annual gatherings that validate grief while promoting actionable prevention strategies. The event provides a structured environment where individuals in recovery, grieving family members, and healthcare advocates can unite without judgment.

Residents unable to attend the park gathering can still access vital tools through digital and physical distribution channels. Free overdose reversal kits are available online via NaloxoneNowSLO.org or at fifty designated community locations, including standalone NaloxBox dispensers. Additional supplies are stocked at behavioral health clinics across San Luis Obispo, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles, and Atascadero. For immediate treatment referrals, individuals may contact SLO Behavioral Health at 1-800-838-1381. Additional information regarding the Opioid Safety Coalition and overdose prevention initiatives can be found at www.slocounty.ca.gov/osc.