The city of Milwaukee prepared several events for International Overdose Awareness Day, which is Thursday, Aug. 31. On Thursday, events will be spread out between Samad's House, UMOS, and the Mitchell Park Pavilion. Attendees will be able to hang ribbons for loved ones, get trained in using Narcan, talk about their experiences at an open mic, receive grief counseling, and participate in a march to end overdose. For a full list of activities and events, click here. At Samad's House, a grief counselor will even be on hand to talk with those interested."Our end goal for anyone who's dealing with addiction or loss is healing," said Tahira Malik, the chief operating officer of Samad's House. "It takes healing."According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Milwaukee County ranks eighth in the country for overdose deaths per 100,000 people.Organizers for Thursday's events say harm reduction efforts and events like Thursday's can bring that number down."I know that we can decrease these numbers if we continue to put boots to the ground, to make sure that we're bringing awareness all across the city and the county," said Malik. "I know it's doable."Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski says everyone should care about the overdose epidemic because drug addiction does not discriminate. He says every neighborhood and every demographic is affected."Everybody has a connection to this, whether you're willing to admit it or not," said Lipski. "Whether you are aware of it or not, whether you have been notified of it or not, you have a connection to this. We are screaming into the hurricane right now, trying to get attention."Thursday's events go all day, starting at 10 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. The Hoan Bridge will also be lit up purple on Wednesday and Thursday to show support for those living with a substance use disorder and their loved ones.For more information on International Overdose Awareness Day in Milwaukee and resources on getting help with a substance abuse issue, click here.