FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff in observance of Overdose Awareness Day, the governor's office announced. The Governor's Mansion will be lit purple throughout the observance, the color designated to show support for overdose awareness.

Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held annually on August 31 to raise awareness of drug overdoses, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends who have lost loved ones or have been permanently affected by drug overdoses.

"As we recognize Overdose Awareness Day here in the commonwealth, we remember those we have lost, offer support to their families and stand with those still struggling," Gov. Beshear said in a statement. "Every life lost is a child of God, and we are committed to making even more progress in our fight against addiction to provide more recovery resources, protect more lives and honor our fellow Kentuckians gone too soon."

The observance comes as Kentucky continues to make progress in its battle against overdose deaths. Kentucky celebrated four straight years of declining overdose deaths, with 1,110 deaths reported in 2025, the lowest number since 2014 and a 22.5 percent decrease from 2024. That represents a 50.8 percent decline from 2021, when the state experienced 2,250 overdose deaths, the highest on record.

Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses and organizations throughout Kentucky to join in the tribute. For residents struggling with addiction, the Kentucky HELP Call Center can be reached at 833-8KY-HELP, or visit FindHelpNowKy.org to find recovery resources.