SLO Overdose Awareness Day event set for Aug. 29

By Staff Report · Fri Aug 28 2026

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Community members are invited to attend SLO Overdose Awareness Day from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Mitchell Park for an afternoon of remembrance, education and overdose prevention.

The event is hosted by the San Luis Obispo County Department of Behavioral Health and the Opioid Safety Coalition in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day. The gathering is open to the public and free to attend.

The event will feature a keynote presentation, “Talking About Grief: How to Talk About What No One Wants to Talk About,” by Jamie Metzgar, director of Grief Support and Education at Hospice SLO. Attendees can also participate in free naloxone training and visit a resource fair featuring local substance-use prevention organizations.

The event will conclude with a candlelit memorial tribute honoring people who have died from overdose. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

San Luis Obispo County recorded 42 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2024, according to the California Overdose Dashboard, down from 78 deaths in 2023. County officials attributed the decrease in part to local prevention efforts, including increased access to free naloxone.

More than 2,600 naloxone units were distributed through local efforts between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The county has also conducted youth outreach and educational campaigns focused on fentanyl and overdose prevention.

SLO Overdose Awareness Day will take place at Mitchell Park, 1400 Osos St., San Luis Obispo.

Residents who cannot attend can obtain free overdose reversal kits through NaloxoneNowSLO.org or at one of approximately 50 community locations. Free naloxone is also available at Behavioral Health clinics in San Luis Obispo, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles and Atascadero.

For substance-use treatment services, call SLO Behavioral Health at 1-800-838-1381.