Lake County to Host First-Ever “Concert of Hope” in Honor of Overdose Awareness Day

MEDIA RELEASE:

Contact: David Schick

The Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board

Phone: 440-350-2193

Email: DSchick@LakeADAMHS.org

 

For Immediate Release: August 19, 2025

 

Lake County to Host First-Ever “Concert of Hope” in Honor of Overdose Awareness Day

Events Across County to Remember Loved Ones, Support Recovery, and Promote Awareness

Lake County, OH — This August, Lake County will join communities across the globe in recognizing Overdose Awareness Day—a time to honor those we have lost, support individuals in recovery, and raise awareness about the ongoing impact of substance use disorder.

The centerpiece of this year’s local observance will be the Concert of Hope, a first-of-its-kind event blending music, art, and community connection. Presented in partnership with the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board, the City of Willoughby, the Lake County Commissioners, The Fine Arts Association, and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the free, family-friendly concert will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 31, at The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Avenue in Willoughby.

The Concert of Hope will feature the acclaimed string ensemble OPUS 216, with live music curated by music therapists to inspire reflection, healing, and hope. Attendees can also participate in public art creation, enjoy local food trucks, and connect with community resources—all in a welcoming, drug-free environment for all ages.

“This event is about more than awareness—it’s about creating a space where we can come together as a community to heal, honor, and support each other,” said Kimberly Fraser, Executive Director of the Lake County ADAMHS Board. “Music has a unique ability to connect people, and the Concert of Hope is an uplifting way to show that recovery is possible.”

This event represents an outstanding collaboration between City of Willoughby Mayor Robert Fiala and the Lake County Commissioners— Richard J. Regovich, Morris W. Beverage III, and John R. Plecnik—whose leadership and commitment have been instrumental in making the Concert of Hope possible. Their support, along with that of state and local partners, demonstrates Lake County’s united effort to honor lives lost, strengthen recovery pathways, and foster a more connected and compassionate community.

• Mayor Robert A. Fiala noted “Willoughby is honored to host the inaugural Concert of Hope—a celebration of music, community, and the strength found in recovery. This is more than an event; it’s a powerful reminder that no one walks this journey alone.”
• Richard J. Regovich, Lake County Commissioner President “Lake County is committed to building a compassionate and supportive environment for all residents. The Concert of Hope is a powerful reminder that through unity and understanding, we can overcome the challenges of addiction together.”
• Morris W. Beverage III, Lake County Commissioner “This event shines a light on the strength of our community. It’s a day to grieve, to reflect, and to celebrate the courage of those walking the path of recovery.”
• Jon R. Plecnik, Lake County Commissioner “Every life lost to overdose is one too many. The Concert of Hope is an opportunity to honor those we’ve lost, support those still struggling, and recommit ourselves to prevention, treatment, and recovery.”

While the Concert of Hope is the highlight of the weekend, additional events will be held across Lake County leading up to Overdose Awareness Day.

On Friday, August 29, Windsor Laurelwood in Willoughby will host a gathering for behavioral health professionals and community partners at 11 a.m. The program will feature remarks from clinical leaders and a tour of Windsor Laurelwood’s integrated behavioral health services.

That same day, August 29, at noon, Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers will hold a public memorial at its Concord Pines Campus, 760 Oak Street in Painesville. The event will include a tree planting ceremony in honor of those lost to overdose, remarks from community leaders, and a tour of the supportive recovery housing campus.

Overdose Awareness Day is observed annually on August 31 and is recognized as the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those who have died without stigma, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.

All events are free and the Concert and Tree Ceremony are open to the public. For more information, visit www.HelpThatWorks.us/RecoveryConcert or contact the ADAMHS Board at 440-350-3117.

About the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board

The Lake County ADAMHS Board plans, funds, monitors, and evaluates services available to residents who are living with mental illness and substance use disorders. For more information, please visit www.HelpThatWorks.us.

 

For more information about the concert, visit www.HelpThatWork.us.