Clarksburg mayor proclaims Aug. 31 International Overdose Awareness Day; local group plans public event

Mayor James L. Malcolm Joe on Aug. 20 proclaimed Aug. 31, 2025, as International Overdose Awareness Day in the city of Clarksburg and encouraged residents to "help create a culture of compassion" around overdose and addiction. The proclamation called for remembering those who have died and for replacing stigma with compassion.

The proclamation said fentanyl and other opioids accounted for about 68 percent of overdose fatalities in 2024 and cited this year's theme, "1 big family driven by hope," as a call to collective action. "Whereas the city of Clarksburg does affirm and acknowledge the harm and hardship caused by drug overdose," the proclamation states.

A representative from West Virginia Prevention Solutions told the council that Prevention Solutions, Healthy Minds and the Clarksburg treatment team will host a recognition event on Monday, Aug. 25, from noon to 1 p.m. at the PWA Uptown Events Center in Clarksburg, with chalk art and participation by people currently in recovery to raise local awareness.

The announcement included no funding request and there was no council vote tied to the proclamation. Council members and the mayor offered public thanks to the organizers and noted the city's interest in raising awareness and supporting recovery resources.

The city did not specify new programs or funding in the meeting minutes; details about event logistics and any city support beyond the proclamation were not provided.