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As August draws to a close, we are centering this issue around remembrance, prevention, and the supports available to individuals, families, caregivers, and communities impacted by substance use and overdose. With International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, this newsletter lifts up resources for grief, connection, and action, alongside practical tools for providers and partners. You will also find updates on family education opportunities, data resources, and a recap from this year's WISe Symposium.
As always, thank you for the work you do every day to support children, youth, young adults, caregivers, and families across Washington.
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International Overdose Awareness Month helps replace shame with compassionate remembrance and open dialogue. It is a time to honor lives lost to substance-related overdose and to recognize the complex grief carried by families and friends.
Losing a loved one to a substance-related overdose is often met with societal stigma, leaving family and friends to navigate grief in isolation. However, support is available. In Washington State, resources exist to help individuals find connection, understanding, and a path forward through grief.
Community events in Washington (2026)
- The Thurston County Overdose Awareness Day memorial will be held Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 704 Franklin St SE, Olympia, WA 98501. This event honors lost loved ones and connects community members with local resources.
Peer grief support groups
Crisis and support resources
- Recovery Help Line: 1-866-789-1511 (24/7)
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
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Prevent Overdose WA: Information on overdose prevention, naloxone access, and community resources
Books on grief and loss
For those seeking additional support through reading, consider: Grief Diaries: Surviving Loss by Overdose by Lynda Cheldelin Fell; Understanding Your Grief after a Drug-Overdose Death by Alan Wolfelt; I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye by Brook Noel; or When a Child Dies From Drugs by Pat Wittberger.
You are not alone. If you or someone you know is grieving a substance-related loss, please reach out for support.
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Free Substance Use Disorder education sessions are available for parents, caregivers, and family members of individuals impacted by addiction. This 8-week series covers CRAFT skills, communication strategies, the science behind SUD and the adolescent brain, and systems navigation. Morning and evening sessions available.
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HCA has updated our partner toolkit with practical resources to support state agencies, local health jurisdictions, and community organizations in promoting local events and increasing awareness. The toolkit includes an overview of overdoses in Washington, tools for promoting a local event, and a resource list.
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The Washington Thriving Leadership Council is recruiting lived experience members to help shape state-level behavioral health infrastructure. Open seats include young people (ages 16–25) and parents/caregivers with recent experience navigating Washington's behavioral health systems. Nominations are due September 1.
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August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day, a time to reflect on the loved ones we have lost and acknowledge the impact that these deaths have had on our communities.
Because overdose deaths are preventable, taking immediate action saves lives. You can show compassionate, respectful support for people who use substances by equipping yourself with naloxone, learning about the Good Samaritan Law, and practicing your own self-care to stay sustainably engaged.
You do not have to navigate this challenging journey alone. A post-overdose survivor toolkit is available to help families and individuals respond effectively, offering resources to heal and support the entire family system.
This day is a reminder to connect with the people you love who use substances. Every person, regardless of the choices they make, is deserving of love and connection.
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The 2026 WISe Symposium brought together practitioners, youth, families, and system partners for two days of learning and connection on August 5–6. This year's theme, "WISe Beyond Measure," featured keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and dedicated space for attendees to share experiences and strengthen relationships across Washington's Wraparound with Intensive Services community. Key takeaways centered on sustaining quality, elevating youth and family voice, and building workforce resilience. Resources and materials and recordings from the event are available.
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