On Saturday, August 24, the Duluth non-profit Harm Reduction Sisters held a festival in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day.

The free community event featured music, visual arts, speakers and food. The organization says the festival was meant to help honor those affected by overdoses, offer community support, and rase awareness for overdoses.

“People that are struggling with substance use – with the loss of a family member, a loved one due to substance use – I think what people know is they are not alone,” explained Sue Purchase, director of Harm Reduction Sisters, “there’s a community here that cares about their well-being.”

The event was held at Central Hillside Park in Duluth. International Overdose Awareness Day falls on August 31, but the organization decided to celebrate early.  

In 2023, St. Louis County alone was home to well over 500 overdoses, with 57 fatalities.

Harm Reduction Sisters is made up of staff and volunteers with the goal of reducing harm for drug users. More information can be found at their website.