Posted on August 28, 2026

SOS Berks Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day

SOS Berks Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day

From SOS Berks Opioid Coalition

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, SOS Berks Opioid Coalition and the City of Reading will hold a flag-raising ceremony on Monday, Aug. 31, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., at City Park (base of stairs exiting basketball courts along Columbus Drive). Parking is located near the basketball courts. This event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

The event will feature speakers, including Senator Judy Schwank, Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera, City of Reading Mayor Eddie Morán, St. Luke’s University Hospital Network Addiction Fellowship Dr. William Santoro, SOS Berks Member Maureen Rathman, as well as an invocation and a moment of silence recognizing those who have passed away in the community due to an overdose.

This marks the third year that SOS Berks Opioid Coalition has joined forces with the City of Reading to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day with a flag-raising ceremony. International Overdose Awareness Day takes place yearly on Aug. 31 and is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

“Substance use disorder dose not discriminate, and neither should our compassion,” said Michael Rivera, Berks County Commissioner and Co-Chair of the SOS Berks Opioid Coalition.

The Overdose Awareness Day flag will fly for seven days following the ceremony in honor of those who have lost their lives to an overdose. Learn more at sosberks.org.

About SOS Berks Opioid Coalition

SOS Berks Opioid Coalition is a coalition of Berks County community members who have joined together in an effort to reduce overdose deaths throughout the county. It is invested in educating the community about the disease of substance use disorder, raising awareness about stigma, and providing information about the many resources available for prevention, treatment, and recovery.




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