Overdose Awareness Day Event 2025
Every life lost to overdose leaves behind an echo of love, pain, and memory. On International Overdose Awareness Day, we come together not just to mourn, but to remember, support, and raise hope. Our theme, “Wings of Remembrance,” reflects this mission — honoring those gone too soon while lifting their legacy into the light.
This year’s event is open to all and designed to provide space for both personal reflection and collective healing. Whether you've been personally affected or want to stand in solidarity, your presence matters.
🌟 How You Can Participate:
🦋 Butterfly Release Ceremony
A beautiful and emotional moment to release butterflies in memory of loved ones lost. Each fluttering wing represents a life remembered and a message of hope carried skyward.
📝 Want to participate? Butterflies will be provided on-site. You may also submit a name in advance to be honored during the release.
🗣️ Stories of Loved Ones
You’re invited to share a tribute—a memory, a poem, or just a name. These stories are the heartbeat of this day. They remind us that those we’ve lost were more than a statistic—they were someone’s child, parent, friend, or sibling.
📢 Want to share a story? Let us know in advance or sign up when you arrive.
🪑 Empty Chair Display
This moving visual installation represents those who should be with us but are no longer. Each chair symbolizes a life that overdose has taken—empty but never forgotten.
🧱 Memorial Wall
Write a name, pin a photo, leave a message. Our memorial wall is a space where memories are honored and grief is given voice.
📌 Bring a small tribute if you’d like to add to the wall.
💜 Why This Day Matters
We gather not only to mourn the lives lost, but to celebrate their memory and commit to change. Their stories continue to inspire us to act, support, and heal. Together, we stand against stigma and shine a light on the importance of overdose prevention, education, and compassion.
🎟️ What to Expect:
Free and family-friendly event
Spoken Word by SERVant Andrew LeBlanc https://linktr.ee/officialservant
Light refreshments and food provided
Children’s activities available
✨ Let’s Remember, Together
Your presence sends a powerful message: You are not alone. Whether you’ve lost someone, are in recovery, or simply care deeply, we welcome you.
📍 Save the date: August 31, 2025
📌 Crooked River State Park, Group Shelter #2
⏰ 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
If you would like to be a sponsor all sponsorships big or small make an impact. Recognition included in signage, social media, and event materials. Please email us your business logo and information if you would like to be a sponsor.
*Checks can be made to Brian’s Journey Inc. and mailed to 1467 Cove Landing Drive Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
*Donations can be made directly through our website *Cashapp $briansjourneyinc
Let their memory rise on wings of hope. 🦋
International Overdose Awareness Day 2024
Brian’s Journey Inc. Hosted its very 1st annual International Overdose Awareness Day event on August 31, 2024 at Crooked River State Park. It took a community to come together to make this event possible! God opened up a door for this opportunity to host our very first overdose awareness day event along the St. Mary’s River where my brother Brian lays to rest. We felt Gods grace and his presence. Overdose is not a topic some want to talk about but the importance of understanding and knowing its okay to talk about it is a testimony that others need to hear because together we are better and not alone in this fight. NO STORY SHOULD EVER END TOO SOON!
The Camden County Sheriff’s Office wrote: Camden County Sheriff’s Office Attends First Ever Overdose Awareness Event with the Brian's Journey Inc.
The Camden County Sheriff’s Office had the incredible opportunity to attend the first-ever Overdose Awareness Event hosted by the Brian’s Journey Inc at Crooked River State Park. The event was a resounding success, filled with meaningful moments and community connection.
We were honored to share a special Proclamation on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office, underscoring our commitment to supporting this vital cause. Our deputies had a blast interacting with the kids, handing out candy, t-shirts, stickers, pencils, and more. The highlight of the day? A friendly game of corn-hole with the kids—what a fun time!
The event concluded with a heartfelt butterfly release, a symbolic and touching way to honor those affected by overdose. This event was truly one for the books, and we’re thrilled to be part of this journey in the years to come.
A special shoutout to Lt. Wellner from our Marine Division, who made a surprise appearance after a successful boater rescue! The kids who were still on-site had a blast exploring all the cool equipment on Lt. Wellner’s Sheriff's Office vessel.
Special Thanks To: Beachhead State of Mind, Crews Timber and All Types Tree Service, Clear Mountain Steam Water Conditioning, Starbucks, Camden County Sheriff’s Office, C.H.A.M.P.S, Crooked River State Park, ClearWater Butterfly Farm, WECC The Lighthouse Christian Radio and for our entire community for making this event a day to remember and a day to honor our loved ones lost too soon!
