SOS Berks will hold a flag raising ceremony on August 31 at 1:00 PM at City Park in Reading commemorating International Overdose Awareness Day, which takes place annually on August 31. The event will include speakers, an invocation and a moment of silence recognizing those who have passed away in our community due to an overdose. All are invited to attend. The Overdose Awareness Day flag will be raised during the event and will fly for seven days.

This marks the third year that SOS Berks has joined with the City of Reading to recognized International Overdose Awareness Day with a flag-raising ceremony. Click here to see photos from the 2025 ceremony.

Parking: Please park by the basketball courts and walk down to the flag pole located near 11^th & Penn St.

About International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day 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.

Every August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) brings a global community together to take action on overdose. Hold an event, spread the message, take action today. This year the theme for IOAD is 25 Years On. Still Needed.

For 25 years, International Overdose Awareness Day has brought people together to remember those we’ve lost and to take action to save lives. The truth is, we shouldn’t still need this day.  But we do. 

 Overdose continues to affect every community. Yet it can be prevented. We know how to reduce risk and keep people safe. By speaking openly, learning from one another, and treating each other with care and respect, we build a world where fewer lives are lost.