09/04/2026
At our annual Overdose Awareness Day Memorial this week, we remembered the more than 563 people in Multnomah County who lost their lives to overdose last year. The number was smaller than the previous year for the second time in the last 15 years we have been hosting this event—a confirmation that what we are doing is working—yet we have still lost far too many loved ones, friends, clients, and neighbors.
This is heavy work, and the depth of emotions and remembrances showed clearly on the faces of those reciting the names. But, as we always have, we will continue to remember.
Once again, we send love and gratitude to our own Haven Wheelock for guiding the proceedings, and to those who shared aloud or reminisced silently but in community about their loved ones.