Montgomery County will host its annual International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) and National Recovery Month remembrance ceremony and resource fair on Saturday, Aug. 29, in Rockville. This year’s event will feature a new “Color for a Cause 1-mile Run/Walk/Roll,” bringing the community together to memorialize lives lost to substance use, reduce stigma, and promote local health resources.
The event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at Memorial Plaza, located at 101 Monroe St., on the terrace between the Isiah “Ike” Leggett Executive Office Building and the Montgomery County Circuit Court.
IOAD is observed annually to remember people who have died from overdose, raise awareness about overdose prevention, and reduce stigma associated with substance use. The event will also kick off National Recovery Month, which highlights the importance of recovery and encourages people with mental health and substance use disorders to seek support.
Maryland reported 1,408 fatal overdoses in 2025, a 50% decrease from the state’s historic high of 2,800 in 2021 and the lowest number in the State in a decade. Of those fatalities, 66% were linked to fentanyl. Montgomery County accounted for 84 of those fatalities, according to the Maryland Department of Health. Local leaders emphasize that community-wide engagement, education, and accessible resources are vital to turning the tide against the opioid crisis.
Color for a Cause Run/Walk/Roll
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The new “Color for a Cause 1-mile Run/Walk/Roll” will offer an active, community-centered way for residents to participate.
Staging will begin at Monroe Street and East Jefferson Street in the former bank parking lot. The course will start on East Jefferson Street, turn right onto South Adams Street, right onto West Middle Lane, right onto Monroe Street, and finish with a right turn back onto East Jefferson Street.
Community Resources and Activities
The event will also feature:
- A resource fair with information about local health, behavioral health, substance use, and recovery services.
- Community tents and food trucks.
- Free tours of the Community Opioid Prevention & Education (COPE) trailer.
- Opportunities for participating youth to earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.
- A commemorative photo display honoring loved ones who have died from overdose or substance use.
- A memorial ceremony bringing family members, friends, and community members together in remembrance.
Parking and Logistics
Free parking is available in the County Council Office Building parking lot, located at the corner of East Jefferson and Monroe Streets in Rockville. First-aid stations and water points will be positioned along the course and event area.
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The event is hosted by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, with funding from the Maryland Office of Overdose Response. “Color for a Cause” is supported by Montgomery Goes Purple.
For more information, to register for the event, or to sign up as a resource provider, visit the 2026 IOAD Color Run, Walk & Roll Registration website.
Memorial Photo Submissions
Residents who would like to have a loved one included in the commemorative photo display may submit an individual photograph of their loved one, along with the required information, through the Montgomery Goes Purple online submission process.
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Read the original article at mcgov
