In a recent government meeting, officials announced plans for North Texas Overdose Awareness Day, set to take place on August 31, 2024, at 6:30 PM on the east lawn of the Denton Courthouse on the Square. This event aims to raise awareness about the ongoing opioid crisis, which has seen over 108,000 overdose deaths in the United States in 2023 alone, according to preliminary data from the CDC.

The proclamation, delivered by Denton Mayor Gerard Hudswith, emphasized the importance of recognizing the impact of substance use disorder across all demographics, highlighting that addiction and related deaths affect individuals regardless of race, gender, education, or socioeconomic status. The event will feature speakers and over 60 resource providers, along with a ceremony to honor those lost to overdoses.

Community members are encouraged to participate and volunteer for the event. Interested individuals can find more information and sign up through the website rue now dot org or by emailing northtexasioad@gmail.com. The mayor's proclamation calls on all citizens to unite in remembrance and education, reinforcing the need for support and harm reduction strategies in the fight against drug-related tragedies.