Organizers announce International Overdose Awareness Day luminary walk; highlight racial disparities in local overdose deaths

A public‑health presenter told the Community Coalition that the county will host an International Overdose Awareness Day luminary walk to honor lives lost to overdose and to provide community education. The presenter said the United States has the highest overdose‑death rate in the world and that in Champaign County overdose deaths affect 50% of the Black population; she also noted that people about age 45 are among the most affected locally. The walk will include information, purple signage and community partner participation, she said. Event details: the presenter said the walk is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28, at 9:00 a.m.; a purple flyer with additional details was placed on the meeting’s back table. Why it matters: organizers framed the walk as part of a global awareness movement to reduce stigma, share resources (including education and supplies) and connect families and organizations that support people affected by substance use disorder.