The Stratford community came together Friday to honor the countless lives lost by drug overdoses.

Stratford officials held an International Overdose Awareness Day ceremony at town hall Friday.

In 2021, Stratford lost eleven residents to unintentional overdoses, and six thus far in 2022. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 107,000 people across the U.S. died of a drug overdose in 2021.

The event took place just a few days ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day, which is observed on Aug. 31.

"Even if you don't think you can do anything, sometimes just pointing someone in the right direction or sharing with them other resources is all that they need, possibly, to get on the right path," said Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick.

The annual campaign aims to end overdoses, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. Through International Overdose Day events across the globe, participants hope to spread the message that drug overdose is preventable and to stimulate action.