Root Center hosts International Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance Ceremony

April 20th, 2026

August 31st, was International Overdose Awareness Day, and we were proud to host a Remembrance Ceremony in memory of all those we have lost to overdose. In the last year, there have been 1,452 overdose deaths. To honor those lives, we started a tradition of planting something new in our Memorial Garden on this day, every year going forward. Our Memorial Garden was also opened on this day last year. This year, we planted a beautiful a purple leaf plum tree (see below).


We would like thank everyone who attended, and spoke at the ceremony, like Senator Saud Anwar (pictured above on right next to Steven Zuckerman, Root Center President and CEO on left), Manchester Mayor Jay Moran, State Representative Justin Doucette, Senator MD Rahman, and our brave patient, Belmarie, who shared moving words about her own recovery with the Root Center. 


Another thank you to InterCommunity Health, as well, for bringing their Mobile Vaccine Clinic to offer free primary health care services to those in need. We also had providers on-site with free Narcan and fentanyl testing strips discussing usage and benefits. 


We appreciate those who joined us in remembering those lost, and also fighting for those still struggling. If you have not visited our Memorial Garden, we invite you to do so at your convenience. It is located at our Manchester Clinic, 335 Broad Street, Manchester, CT.



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Thank you to FOX61 News for highlighting this special day! A thank you to WFSB Ch3 and WTNH Ch8 for mentioning us, as well!

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