Most people are connected to someone whose life was lost to drug overdose. A local veteran and social entrepreneur is partnering with Howard County for International Overdose Awareness Day to spotlight this far too common loss.
The VA Way’s Dub Grass International Overdose Awareness Day Event on Saturday, August 31, 2024, will bring a fusion of music and awareness around the impact of overdosing. The communities in Columbia, Maryland will join those around the world to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose.
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is observed annually and seeks to spread understanding of overdose, eradicate the stigma that often accompanies drug-related deaths, and spur change that can reduce harms associated with drug use.
The VA Way is partnering with Sun Rider 9 Productions for the event to feature performances by The Dirty Grass Players with Yellow Dubmarine, Caleb Stine, Jim Kelly, and a drum circle led by Katy Gaughan. There will be a fusion of reggae and bluegrass music, surrounded by a unifying theme of mental health enlightenment and community support connected to the global movement for understanding, compassion, and change.
“Dub Grass is about more than just the music,” said John Way, visionary founder of The VA Way and event organizer. “It’s about coming together as a community to make a difference. Every jam, every beat, every note—it all helps a mind in need.”
Local organizations will be on hand to support those struggling with mental health issues, and attendees will have access to overdoes prevention resources, mental health support, and community solidarity, all coalescing under the theme “Together We Can.”
“I believe that together we can do more to end overdose in our communities. We’re losing too many friends and family members, and we need creative ways to reach people,” Way said.
In the United States, more than 107,500 people died from overdosing in 2023 — the second consecutive year with more than 100,000 overdose deaths. 2022 had 111,000 deaths from overdoses. The majority were linked to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Maryland had 2,573 deaths from drug overdose in 2022.
“By coming together to remember those we’ve lost, we’re making a powerful statement that more needs to be done to end overdose in our community,” said John Barth, President of Sun Rider 9 Productions.
The VA Way is led by Army veterans and social entrepreneurs Way and Gary Canteen, a 24-year Army Veteran and The VA Way’s co-founder and vice president. Since 2014, the organization has combined the power of music and improving access to mental health education and resources to improve the lives of veterans and those in the music industry. Way is also a co-founder of the Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival taking place at Sandy Point State Park on Sept. 21 and 22, 2024.
“We encourage members of the community with lived experience to join us and stand in solidarity with those affected by overdose,” Canteen said.
Dub Grass International Overdose Awareness Day Event takes place on Saturday, August 31, 2024 from 5 pm – 11 pm at Reckless Shepherd Brewing, located at 8895 McGaw Road, Columbia, MD. After 8 pm, the event is for those 21 and over.
Tickets are $15.
