READING, Pa. – On Monday, SOS Berks Opiod Coalition will hold the third annual flag-raising ceremony in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.
Organizers say the event will include speakers, an invocation, and a moment of silence recognizing those who have passed away in the community due to an overdose.
The flag-raising ceremony will be held in City Park from 1 to 2 p.m. The event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.
This marks the 3rd year SOS Berks has joined forces with the City of Reading to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day with a flag-raising ceremony, event organizers say.
The ceremony will be held at the base of the stairs exiting the basketball courts along Columbus Drive. Parking is located nearby.
According to a news release, featured speakers will include:
PA State Senator Judy Schwank
Michael Rivera, Berks County Commissioner
Eddie Morán, Mayor, City of Reading
Dr. William Santoro, St. Luke’s University Hospital Network Addiction Fellowship
Maureen Rathman, SOS Berks Member
International Overdose Awareness Day takes place yearly on August 31 and 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, SOS Berks says.
“Substance use disorder does not discriminate, and neither should our compassion,” said Michael Rivera, Berks County Commissioner and Co-Chair of the SOS Berks Opioid Coalition.
Officials say the Overdose Awareness Day flag will fly for seven days following the ceremony, in honor of those who have lost their lives to an overdose. Learn more at sosberks.org