Whatcom County will hold a recovery panel, resource fair and community memorial this month for International Overdose Awareness Day.
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Whatcom County will mark International Overdose Awareness Day with three events this month focused on recovery, overdose prevention and remembering people who have died from overdose.
The series begins Saturday, Aug. 15, with a recovery panel and open mic. It continues with an overdose awareness resource fair Aug. 28 before ending with a community memorial on Aug. 31.
Recovery Café Bellingham is presenting the events in partnership with the Whatcom Recovery Coalition, Whatcom County Health and Community Services and the Chuckanut Health Foundation.
Voices of Recovery Panel Opens Series Saturday
The Voices of Recovery Panel & Open Mic will open the series Saturday, Aug. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church/Recovery Café, 110 Flora St.
The free event will focus on personal stories and the role they can play in reducing the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery.
People with lived experience will have an opportunity to share their stories. The event also will include an open mic for community members.
Resource Fair Will Offer Overdose Education
The Annual Overdose Awareness Resource Fair will take place Friday, Aug. 28, from noon to 4 p.m. on the Bellingham City Hall lawn at 210 Lottie St. The event will begin with a community blessing at noon.
Visitors can come and go throughout the afternoon while connecting with local organizations and learning about overdose prevention.
The resource fair will include information about Good Samaritan laws and how to recognize an overdose. Participants also can learn how to administer nasal naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan.
Organizers will provide information about safely storing naloxone. Local partner organizations also will have information tables and resources available.
Memorial Will Remember Those Lost to Overdose
The series will conclude Monday, Aug. 31, with a Community Memorial at Maritime Heritage Park. The memorial will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on International Overdose Awareness Day.
Organizers will place candles for every person lost to overdose since 2019. Hanah Warthan with Mission for Missy will serve as the keynote speaker.
The event also will include an interfaith prayer table focused on holding hope for people still battling addiction.
A Memorial Wall will display the names and photographs of loved ones lost to overdose. Organizers say the wall will give community members a place to mourn together, heal together and reflect on the lives of people who died while holding hope for those still living.
People who want to include a loved one on the Memorial Wall can submit a name and photo by emailing recoverycafebellingham@gmail.com.
International Overdose Awareness Day Marks 25 Years
International Overdose Awareness Day takes place Aug. 31 each year. The global observance seeks to increase understanding of overdose, reduce stigma surrounding drug-related deaths and promote efforts to prevent overdose.
The 2026 observance marks the campaign’s 25th anniversary. This year’s theme is “25 Years On. Still Needed.”
The campaign says overdose remains a concern in communities around the world, while emphasizing that overdose prevention measures can save lives.
For general information, vendor registration or Memorial Wall submissions, contact Recovery Café Bellingham at recoverycafebellingham@gmail.com.
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