Overdose Awareness Day in Lexington: Silver Ribbon Day

Overdose Awareness Day is Monday, August 31st.  This year, our efforts to recognize individuals lost to overdose, as well as to support their family, friends and loved ones will look a little different than previous years.

 The City of Lexington is asking those who have been impacted by overdose to hang a silver ribbon or bow on their door or another prominently visible location to honor the loved ones and friends we’ve lost to overdose.  This silver ribbon campaign is to show those who are grieving that they are not alone; to show as a community, we support them.

In addition to impacting how we have traditionally come together on Overdose Awareness Day, the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating consequences related to substance use disorder.  After experiencing a decline in overdose fatalities in 2018 and again in 2019, we have experienced a significant increase so far in 2020.  Although it is too early to know the exact impact of the pandemic, we do know losing connection to vital support systems can have devastating consequences for individuals with substance use disorder.

We hope that as you travel through Lexington on Monday, August 31st that you see countless silver ribbons and bows on display.  As you do, please pause and hold space for the individuals who have passed away and for those who are grieving.

There are a number of ways you can help spread the word about the Overdose Awareness Day Silver Ribbon Campaign to individuals and businesses throughout Lexington:

• Request a free silver bow from Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.  Individuals, programs, faith-based organizations,  or businesses can request bows to display.  Email Amy Baker at abaker@lexingtonky.gov with the number of bows you need.

• Encourage friends, co-workers, clients, program participants and others to display a silver bow ribbon on Overdose Awareness Day.

• Share information about the Silver Ribbon Campaign on social media.

• Post a photo of your silver ribbon or bow on social media with the hashtag #lexendoverdose.