Honoring Lives Lost, Supporting Recovery, and Renewing Hope

The Memorial Garden was filled with reflection, connection, and hope as community members gathered for Root Center for Advanced Recovery's annual International Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance Ceremony on August 31.



Each year, this event brings together patients, families, staff, community partners, and local leaders to honor the lives lost to overdose and support those who continue to navigate substance use disorder and recovery. Through shared stories, meaningful traditions, and moments of remembrance, attendees were reminded that behind every loss is a person who mattered deeply and behind every recovery journey is hope for the future.

Throughout the morning, the Memorial Garden became a space for remembrance, reflection, and connection. Community members gathered around TriCircle's Memorial Quilts, pausing to remember the individuals, families, and stories represented in each panel. The display served as a powerful reminder that behind every loss is a person, a family, and a story that deserves to be remembered.

Community members also had the opportunity to visit with Wheeler Health's mobile unit, which provided health education, screenings, CPR training, and community resources throughout the event.

As part of Root Center's annual traditions, we held a remembrance ceremony where notes left on our Memorial Wall throughout the past year were collected and burned in tribute to loved ones lost to overdose. The ceremony also included Root Center's annual tree planting, a tradition that symbolizes growth, resilience, and hope. Together, these moments reflected the heart of International Overdose Awareness Day: honoring those we have lost while continuing to support those who are still finding their path forward.

The ceremony also brought together Root Center leadership, elected officials, and community advocates united by a shared commitment to addressing substance use disorder and supporting recovery. We were honored to welcome Senator Saud Anwar, Root Center Interim Chief Executive Officer Stephen Fisher, Manchester Mayor Jay Moran, Majority Leader Jason Rojas, and many other community members who joined us in recognizing the importance of International Overdose Awareness Day. Their presence reflected the power of community, partnership, and advocacy in supporting individuals and families impacted by addiction while continuing to advance efforts that promote prevention, treatment, and recovery.

One of the most powerful moments of the morning came from Taylor, a Root Center patient who courageously shared their recovery journey. Through honesty, resilience, and hope, Taylor reminded those in attendance that recovery is not only possible, but worth celebrating. Their story served as a testament to the strength it takes to seek help, the importance of ongoing support, and the life-changing impact that recovery can have on individuals, families, and communities.

International Overdose Awareness Day reminds us that every life matters, every loss is felt, and every recovery journey deserves support. While this day provides an opportunity to honor and remember those we have lost, it also brings communities together to listen, learn, and stand alongside one another. From the stories shared and memories honored to the partnerships and resources offered throughout the event, this year's ceremony reflected the compassion, resilience, and hope that continue to drive Root Center's mission. Together, we can continue reducing stigma, expanding access to care, and supporting every individual on their path to recovery.

Watch the Interview

Following this year's International Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance Ceremony, Root Center Chief Communications Officer Margaux Hyde joined WFSB's Unscripted to discuss the importance of awareness, remembrance, recovery, and support for those impacted by substance use disorder. Watch the full segment below to learn more.