WILMINGTON – In recognition of Overdose Awareness Day, which will occur on August 31, Governor Meyer has ordered the lowering of flags at all state-owned buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff from sunrise on Friday, August 29, 2025, to sunset on Monday, September 1, 2025. 

Senate Joint Resolution 9, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Hansen and Rep. Eric Morrison and signed by Governor Meyer last month, codifies Overdose Awareness Day as a day of remembrance in Delaware, affirming the importance of overdose awareness, remembering those who have died from overdose, and acknowledging the grief suffered from losing a loved one to overdose. 

 This flag-lowering order will coincide with the flag-lowering directive from the White House earlier today in response to the tragic shooting in Minneapolis.  

The full text of the proclamation is below:  

PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY 

 Whereas, the opioid epidemic and substance use disorders continue to devastate families and communities, claiming thousands of lives each year; and 

 Whereas, Overdose Awareness Day, observed annually on August 31st, serves as a global event to raise awareness of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and acknowledge the profound grief felt by families and friends who have lost loved ones; and 

 Whereas, every life lost to overdose is a tragedy, and behind each statistic is a person with hopes, dreams, and a story worth remembering; and 

 Whereas, we recognize the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals, first responders, harm reduction advocates, and community organizations working to prevent overdoses and support recovery; and 

 Whereas, it is our shared responsibility to promote education, expand access to treatment, and ensure that all residents of the State of Delaware have the opportunity to live healthy, fulfilling lives free from the grip of addiction; and 

 Whereas, although the official observance falls on August 31st, we gather today, August 29th, to publicly affirm our commitment to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting those affected by substance use and overdose. 

 Now, Therefore, I, Matthew Meyer, Governor, 
do hereby recognize August 31, 2025, as 
OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY 

in the State of Delaware, and encourage all citizens to honor the lives lost, support those in recovery, and commit to building a future where no one suffers alone. 

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