Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreations Department (PSLPRD) will host two free events in August to promote understanding for those affected by opioids.

Opioid Epidemic Awareness is offered as part of the Healthy U Series: A Series of Conversations on Wednesday, August 3 at 6:30 p.m. In this session, participants will learn about Opioid Use Disorder and the statistics demonstrating this public safety crisis is present in our community, as well as attain increased awareness of the need for long-term support and pain management for those in recovery. 

On Wednesday, August 31, it’s “Time to Remember. Time to Act,” as PSLPRD offers 2022 International Overdose Awareness Day, at Veterans Park at Rivergate. The Overdose Awareness Remembrance Ceremony begins at 7 p.m. with a candlelight procession along the St. Lucie River, and includes music, light refreshments, and a reading of names of those who have died from drug overdose. Participants are encouraged to bring a pair of footwear to leave on display commemorating those we have lost. These items will then be donated to Salvation Army.

HealthyU is held at the Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd., Port St. Lucie. Veterans Park at Rivergate is located at 2200 S.E. Veterans Memorial Parkway. For questions regarding these events, call 772-878-2277.