International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) – held on August 31 every year – is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

The Middleton Health Department hosted our first Annual Opioid Overdose Awareness Vigil on August 28, 2024. There were 2125 purple flags planted on the front library lawn and 2 South Main Street in memory of those who were lost to overdose. The flags were left up for 1 week.  People were able to write a message to their loved one on a flag.  Middleton's municipal employees supported the vigil by wearing the purple t-shirts on August 28th. Speakers were: Traci Mello, Public Health Director; Stephen Jesi, guest speaker; Reverend Karlo Hocurscak, Saint Agnes Parish; Senator Bruce Tarr and Repesentative Brad Jones.