08/31/2026
🕊️ International Overdose Awareness Day 🕊️
Today, we pause to remember the lives lost to overdose and to stand with the families and friends left behind. At the 50 Mile March, this day carries extra weight for us because our Veterans are hit especially hard.
Research consistently shows that Veterans face substance use and overdose risks well above the general population. Veterans are roughly twice as likely to die from an accidental opioid overdose as civilians, and conditions like PTSD and chronic pain from service can dramatically increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder. Even with these risks, less than a third of Veterans who need specialty treatment ever receive it, often due to stigma, access barriers, or simply not knowing where to turn.
These aren't just numbers. They represent the men and women who served our country and are now fighting a different kind of battle, often in silence.
This is exactly why the 50 Mile March exists. We are committed to building a community where every Veteran, no matter what they're facing, knows they are not alone and that support is within reach. Whether it's a listening ear, a connection to resources, or simply showing up, we want every Veteran to feel seen and supported.
If you're a Veteran struggling, or you know one who is, please reach out. Help is available, and asking for it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Let's use today to recommit to supporting our Veterans, not just in crisis, but every single day.
