Clark County gathers for 9th Annual Overdose & Fentanyl Awareness Day

On Thursday, August 21, the community came together at the Vancouver Waterfront Park from 3 to 7 p.m. for Clark County’s 9th Annual Overdose & Fentanyl Awareness Day. This annual event, part of International Overdose Awareness Day—the world’s largest campaign to end overdose—brought people together to raise awareness, honor the lives lost, and provide hope, healing, and connection for those impacted.

The Vancouver event began in 2017, led by Lyn Fortner after losing her son Ryan to a heroin overdose in 2012. What started as a grassroots effort has grown, with partner organizations, advocates, and community members joining forces to address the overdose crisis.

Highlights from This Year’s Event

This year’s gathering featured:

• Memorial displays honoring loved ones lost to overdose, offering space for grief, reflection, and remembrance.

• Resource booths from local organizations providing information on treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and mental health support.

• Guest speakers who shared personal stories of loss, survival, and hope.

• Community partners, including local nonprofits, health providers, harm reduction programs, and advocacy groups working every day to prevent overdoses and support recovery.

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Significance of The Day

The fentanyl crisis continues to take lives across Southwest Washington, impacting families, friends, and entire communities. Fentanyl—a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin—is now the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States. Many people who overdose on fentanyl don’t know they’ve taken it, as it is often mixed into other drugs.

By increasing awareness and reducing stigma, events like this encourage open conversation, harm reduction practices, and stronger community support systems.

A Community Coming Together

Clark County’s Overdose & Fentanyl Awareness Day was open to all. Whether attendees had lost someone, were in recovery, worked in prevention, or simply wanted to stand in solidarity, their presence mattered.