Powerful Voices, Life-Saving Tools: DWIHN Hosts Overdose Awareness Event & Vigil
DETROIT, MI – August 29, 2025 — The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) invites the community to join a powerful day of remembrance and reflection for International Overdose Awareness Day on Thursday, August 29 at the Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus. This event will honor the lives lost to overdose, uplift survivors, and equip the community with lifesaving Narcan training and harm reduction resources.
“DWIHN supports families who have lost loved ones to the opioid epidemic and works hard to prevent overdose throughout the County,” said James E. White, President and CEO of DWIHN.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the campus will be transformed into a space of healing, hope, and education — where families and survivors will bravely share their stories to break the stigma surrounding substance use and overdose. Michael Johnson, a nationally recognized trainer and lecturer in the fields of addiction and personal recovery, will be the guest speaker.
In addition, lunch will be provided as DWIHN prevention providers and community partners will be on hand, along with mobile units for a resource fair. The event will conclude with a candlelight vigil to honor those who are no longer with us.
Event Schedule:
- 10:00 a.m. – Event Kickoff
- 11:00 a.m. – Community Resource Fair
- 12:00 p.m. – Free Narcan Training
- 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. – Candlelight Vigil
Why This Matters: Overdose continues to devastate families across Metro Detroit, but hope is not lost. In addition to sharing personal testimonies, DWIHN will highlight the growing network of free, publicly accessible Narcan stations across the region, a reminder that help is available, and lives can be saved with timely intervention.
