Mayor Hall read a proclamation at the Newark City Council meeting declaring Overdose Awareness Day for the city and city officials announced a free community event on Aug. 28 to raise awareness and connect residents with addiction-recovery resources.

The proclamation, read by Mayor Hall, named Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, as Overdose Awareness Day in Newark and urged expanded access to naloxone and addiction treatment. The mayor said the designation recognizes the ongoing impact of the opioid epidemic on families and the community.

City staff announced that the local Overdose Awareness Day event will be held Aug. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m., will include food and speakers from Recovery Ohio and Denison University, and will feature a balloon release to honor people who have died from substance use disorder or mental-health crises. The city identified Sarah Hulke, deputy director at Recovery Ohio, as a scheduled speaker.

The proclamation and event materials emphasize public education on addiction as a public-health issue and promote available resources, including naloxone distribution and referrals to treatment providers.

City officials encouraged residents to attend the free event. For additional details and updates the council noted residents should consult the city website or contact city staff.