Free public event in Lima’s Town Square from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

LIMA __ International Overdose  Awareness Day will be recognized on Thursday, August 29 in Downtown Lima’s Town Square by the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board (MHRSB) of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties, along with its community partners.

The free public event will be held in the NE Quad of Downtown Lima’s Town  Square from 4:00-7:00 p.m.. All are invited to an afternoon of remembrance, education and support.

The second annual event will include food, giveaways, children’s  activities and resources provided by partner agencies. Free Narcan (Naloxone) will be available. 

Event partners include PASS, Allen County Health  Department, BrightView, State Bank, Restoration House of Lima Inc. and West Ohio Food Bank. 

International Overdose Awareness Day t-shirts are available for purchase.  Proceeds from the sales will help fund next year’s event. Orders can be placed online at  ohiooverdoseawareness2025.spiritsale.com.

Once the t-shirts are ready, purchasers will be notified about pick-up at the PASS Office. For those unable to pick up their shirts before the event, they will also be  available for collection at the event. 

This year’s  event is dedicated to Dr. Robert A. Wheeler, MD, who pioneered addiction treatment at St. Rita’s Internal Medicine  and Medication Management in Mercy Health. Dr. Wheeler’s philosophy of "treatment over punishment,  compassion over condemnation, and empathy over placing blame" continues to inspire the community.