Families, advocates, and policymakers gathered to honor those who have died from drug overdoses and to voice opposition to ‘tough on crime’ policies during International Overdose Awareness Day.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day, a rally was held in Jefferson Square Park where dozens of people came together to remember victims of drug overdoses.
The advocacy group VOCAL KY, along with local politicians and families who have lost loved ones to substance abuse, organized the event. They emphasized the need for statewide policy changes, criticizing the “failed drug war” and rejecting the “tough on crime” approach.
“We know we cannot incarcerate our way out of this problem,” stated U.S. Congressman Morgan McGarvey, D-3.
The rally included a march through downtown Louisville, ending at the Muhammad Ali Center.
“I want this war on drugs to end,” said Zachery James, an attendee with a heartbreaking story.
“My mother died from this,” James shared. “My adoptive mother passed away, and I found her lifeless on the floor.”
His sister also died from a drug overdose.
“She’s now in a big cloud in the sky,” he said, reflecting on her memory. “I want this to end because I’ve lost too many people to it.”
Samantha Elkins, a mother who has survived more than 10 overdoses, is now in long-term recovery.
She credits the life-saving medication naloxone for her recovery, stating that she’s “living proof” it works.
Elkins also lost the father of her son, Blair, to an overdose.
“We believe Blair would want us to speak up and say his name,” Elkins said.
Elkins has personally reversed more than five overdoses, saving five lives in the process.
“I strongly believe everyone should carry naloxone or Narcan and be educated about it,” she urged.
She called on policymakers to expand access to resources, particularly for vulnerable communities.
“Addiction does not discriminate, regardless of your background,” Elkins emphasized.
Throughout the event, participants chanted “no more drug war” and “overdose has got to go.”
Jefferson County is set to receive $57 million over the next 18 years to address these issues.
McGarvey advocates for targeted investments in treatment, harm reduction strategies, and mental health services.
Metro Councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright, District 3, highlighted that the funds have already been allocated to treatment, providing Narcan to incarcerated individuals at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections, and the development of a Louisville Care Campus.
Although Kentucky saw a decrease in overdose deaths last year, 1,984 people still died in 2023, according to state data.
“If you walk around Louisville right now, it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t lost a family member or friend to a drug overdose,” McGarvey said.
For further information, you can reach reporter Alexandra Goldberg at agoldberg@whas11.com, X, or Instagram.