Milwaukee leaders gather to promote awareness and prevention ahead of Overdose Awareness Day

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- International Overdose Awareness Day is Aug. 31, but on Thursday, Aug. 29, Milwaukee leaders gathered to stress the importance of raising awareness and promote overdose prevention. 

Mayor Cavalier Johnson says there has been about 140 deadly overdoses in our county this year. 

County Executive David Crowley was also there and said this year's theme is "together we can." He says we need to end the stigma of getting help.

"We need to make sure we're having open and honest conversations about substance use, whether they are trying to hide it, something that is shameful and that's why international overdose awareness day is so critical," said Crowley. 

Mayor Johnson proclaimed Aug. 31 to be International Overdose Awareness Day throughout the City of Milwaukee.