Limestone Coast residents are being invited to come together in Mount Gambier on Thursday to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose.

Members of the public are encouraged to take time to remember, without stigma, those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.

The campaign raises awareness of overdose, which is one of the world’s worst public health crises and stimulates action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy.

The campaign also acknowledges the profound grief felt by families and friends whose loved ones have died or suffered permanent injury from a drug overdose.

International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message about the tragedy of drug overdose death and that drug overdose is preventable.

SAPOL’s Limestone Coast Drug Action Team and Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West are hosting a vigil for community members at Railway Lands lawn area (near Bay Road) at 5.30pm on Thursday.

Various landmarks around Mount Gambier, including the Main Corner, Lady Nelson and Centenary Tower will be illuminated in the colour purple in recognition of IOAD.

Community members are encouraged to attend the vigil, wear purple and bring a candle to light or install a candle app on their phone.

Guest speakers will talk briefly at the commencement of the event prior to one minute of silence.