09/08/2026
Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 and the start of National Recovery Month on September 1 feel meaningfully connected. Rather than separate moments, they remind us of the full continuum of recovery, honoring those we have lost while celebrating the possibility of healing, growth, resilience, and recovery. ๐
Megan Aylieff, Director of Development with The Council on Recovery, and Julie DeNofa, President of Positive Recovery, opened the evening with heartfelt remarks on the strength that comes when a community gathers in remembrance, connection, hope, and love.
Julie also spoke about Montgomery County Overdose Prevention Endeavor (M-COPE)'s four pillars: Awareness, Education, Prevention, and Remembrance, pillars that help communities learn, connect, support one another, and ensure those who have died are remembered with dignity. Kathy Posey and Paige Butler graciously shared their stories.
We also want to thank everyone at Sunwave Health for sponsoring this night and being a huge support in helping host events like this one. Their partnership has meant so much to this community, and we're grateful for their continued commitment to recovery.
As each person was honored along the Texas Memorial Walkway, we were reminded that every life represents a unique and meaningful story. Each was someone's son or daughter, sister or brother, parent, partner, or friend.
Among those remembered were people who loved to dance, play basketball, play guitar, and bring kindness and joy to those around them. They were whole people, never defined by a substance use disorder or the circumstances of their death.
Dr. Jason Powers, Chief Medical Officer of Positive Recovery, sat down with Dr. Andrew Krieger, CEO of Contemporary Medicine Associates, for a conversation grounded in both grief and hope, touching on the realities of overdose and the work still ahead.
As we move from Overdose Awareness into , may we carry these stories with us. Remembrance inspires compassion, connection strengthens our community, and hope reminds us that recovery is possible.
Together, we can create a community where people are seen for their humanity, supported through challenges, celebrated for their strengths, and given every opportunity to find a path toward healing and recovery.