Overdose Awareness Day – Bayfield County
August 31 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Bayfield County Invites Community to Overdose Awareness Day:
A Day to Remember. A Life to Save.
Washburn, WI – Bayfield County invites community members to join us for Overdose Awareness Day on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the Bayfield County Courthouse Lawn (117 E. 5th Street, Washburn).
Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity for our community to come together to remember those we have lost, support those impacted by substance use, and promote hope, healing, and recovery. This year’s event embraces the message “Carry Hope. Carry Naloxone.” and encourages community members to learn how simple acts of compassion and preparedness can save lives.
The event will feature a memorial tribute, recovery speakers, community resources, naloxone education, free naloxone kits, and opportunities to connect with local organizations dedicated to prevention, treatment, recovery, and support.
Community Education & Speakers
Throughout the event, attendees will hear from local professionals and community partners who will share information, personal perspectives, and practical tools to support individuals and families affected by substance use.
Featured speakers include:
- North Star Peer Support who will discuss the value of peer support and the organization’s role in supporting individuals throughout the recovery journey.
- Auxilia Initiative who will highlight services available to individuals and families impacted by overdose, including specialized support for professionals who respond to overdoses as part of their work.
- Bayfield County Behavioral Health Workers will speak about reducing stigma and challenging misconceptions surrounding substance use disorders and behavioral health, helping foster a more compassionate and informed community. Workers will share the importance of community collaboration in prevention, recovery, and reducing overdose deaths.
- Bayfield County Public Health will provide an overview of local overdose trends and available community resources, including online resource directories and naloxone vending machine locations.
- Washburn EMS will explain what an overdose response looks like, when to call EMS, what community members can expect during an emergency response, and address common myths and misconceptions about naloxone.
In addition, the Bayfield County Veterans Service Office will be available to provide educational materials and connect veterans with available resources.
Free Naloxone Available
Community members will have the opportunity to receive free naloxone kits and learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and respond safely. Naloxone is a safe, easy-to-use medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and save a life while emergency medical services are responding.
Together We Remember. Together We Prevent. Together We Recover.
Every overdose death impacts families, friends, coworkers, and communities. Overdose Awareness Day is a reminder that every life matters, recovery is possible, and everyone has a role in reducing stigma and supporting those affected by substance use.
Whether you have experienced loss, are in recovery, support someone who is, work in the field, or simply want to learn more, all community members are welcome to attend.
Event Details
What: Bayfield County Overdose Awareness Day
When: Monday, August 31, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Bayfield County Courthouse Lawn
117 E. 5th Street
Washburn, WI 54891
For additional information, contact the Bayfield County Public Health or Bayfield County Department of Human Services.
Remember those we have lost. Support those who are hurting. Reach out. Prevent overdose. Carry Hope. Carry Naloxone.
