Overdose Awareness: Breaking Stigma, Building Compassion
Thursday, August 20, 2026
7:00–8:00 p.m. CT
Online | Free
Advance registration required
Overdose Awareness: Breaking Stigma, Building Compassion
Thursday, August 20, 2026
7:00–8:00 p.m. CST
Online | Free
Advance registration required
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1997624184711?aff=oddtdtcreator
Discussion Group Itinerary
6:55 p.m. | Virtual Room Opens
Participants may sign in early, confirm their audio settings, and settle into the online space.
7:00 p.m. | Welcome and Introductions
Opening remarks, facilitator introductions, and an overview of the evening’s purpose.
7:05 p.m. | Creating a Safe and Respectful Space
Review of community agreements, including confidentiality, respectful listening, nonjudgmental language, and each participant’s right to listen without sharing.
7:10 p.m. | Understanding Overdose
A brief introduction to overdose as a preventable medical emergency, the realities of substance use disorder, and the importance of responding with urgency and compassion.
7:20 p.m. | Guided Community Discussion
Participants will be invited to reflect on how overdose has affected individuals, families, and communities. Discussion will also examine the silence, shame, grief, and misunderstanding that often surround substance use and overdose loss.
7:35 p.m. | Challenging Stigma
A facilitated conversation about the language used to describe addiction and overdose, how stigma prevents people from seeking help, and how communities can replace judgment with dignity and care.
7:45 p.m. | Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Response
An overview of overdose prevention, naloxone awareness, recognizing a possible overdose, and the importance of contacting emergency services. Participants will learn how practical support can save lives.
7:55 p.m. | Reflection and Closing
Participants will be invited to share one thought, question, or action they are taking away from the discussion. The facilitator will provide prevention, treatment, grief-support, and crisis-resource information.
8:00 p.m. | Program Concludes
This discussion may include sensitive subjects related to substance use, overdose, grief, and loss. Participants may step away or decline to speak at any time. Personal experiences shared during the group should remain confidential.
Attendance is free, but advance registration is required. Registered participants will receive the online meeting link before the event.