About 30 people attended a flag-raising ceremony in City Park on Monday to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day.

The event, organized by the SOS Berks Opioid Coalition and Reading, gave attendees an opportunity to reflect and remember those lives lost in Berks County to overdose.

Prior to raising the flag, several speakers addressed the crowd, with many emphasizing the importance of ending the stigma associated with addiction.

State Sen. Judy Schwank highlighted that progress is being made to combat the opioid crisis, noting that overdose deaths have been declining both nationally and across Pennsylvania.

The Wyomissing Democrat cited a recent press release from the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs that stated overdose deaths had declined by nearly 30% since 2024. She credited that decline to a proactive approach by the state and programs supported through opioid settlement funds.

But Schwank also pointed to individuals who work to support people in recovery.

“It’s remarkable the difference those in the field are making, and citizens and family members who are supporting loved ones with this disease,” she said.

Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera, who serves as a chairman of SOS Berks, reminded attendees that “overdose does not discriminate, and neither should our compassion.”

He said monthly reports on county overdose deaths include people of all ages and from every part of Berks.

Reading Mayor Eddie Moran presented a proclamation recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day, and spoke candidly of his own recovery and of losing a loved one to overdose.

The flag was raised by SOS Berks member Maureen Rathman, who lost her son to overdose.

“Grief is a lifelong process, but just like recovery, there are tools to help along this path,” she said.

This marks the third year that SOS Berks has joined forces with the city to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day with a flag-raising ceremony. International Overdose Awareness Day takes place on Aug. 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.

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.