Serenity Inns Overdose Awareness Day Event Highlights Lives Lost, Supports Healing and Helps Prevent Future Overdose Incidents
MILWAUKEE (Aug. 30, 2025) — In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, Serenity Inns hosted a powerful community event today honoring those who have lost their lives to overdose, offering support to those impacted by addiction, and helping to raise awareness about the ongoing opioid crisis in Milwaukee.
Serenity Inns has stood at the forefront of combating substance use disorder and the devastating opioid epidemic in Milwaukee. It offers a holistic approach to recovery, addressing physical, social, emotional, financial, and spiritual well-being. The Overdose Awareness Day event was held at Serenity Inns’ new Drop-In Clinic at the Olga Neighborhood Wellness Center (631 N. 19th St., in Milwaukee). The event included keynote remarks from Shakita LaGrant-McClain, executive director of the Milwaukee County Dept. of Health & Human Services, moving personal stories of loss and healing, and grief support speakers. In addition, a balloon release was held in memory of those lost to addiction and free Naloxone (Narcan) kits and on-site training in overdose reversal were provided.
“Overdose Awareness Day is about honoring the dignity of those we’ve lost while standing in solidarity with those still fighting,” said Kenneth Ginlack, CEO of Serenity Inns. “Substance use disorder is a disease that touches every part of our community. Through remembrance, support, and education, we can reduce stigma and save lives. We are grateful for the grant Serenity Inns received from Milwaukee County’s Better Ways to Cope program, which helped us open the doors to this new drop-in clinic and prevent more overdoses from happening in our community.”
The event highlighted the devastating toll of addiction in Milwaukee while also emphasizing community resilience, hope, and healing.
“In 2024, there were 450 overdose deaths in Milwaukee County. Every life lost to overdose is a tragedy—and a call to action,” said LaGrant-McClain. “This day is not only about remembering, but about empowering our community with resources like Naloxone, grief support, and the knowledge that recovery is possible. I’m proud of the great work Serenity Inns is doing to create a safe space for men to develop the skills needed to start their path to recovery.”
About Serenity Inns
Serenity Inns has been at the forefront of providing recovery and treatment services since its establishment in 2004. A collaborative effort initiated by a group of Lutheran churches in the Milwaukee area, the organization emerged to address the pressing need for residential treatment for men struggling with alcohol and drug addictions. With its growth, Serenity Inns has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing structured vocational and rehabilitative services within an environment of support and accountability, enabling men to rebuild their lives. Over the years, Serenity Inns has successfully treated over 700 men through its holistic residential program, which spans three phases over seven months. This comprehensive program addresses its participants’ physical, social, emotional, financial, and spiritual health needs, empowering them to recover and become productive members of society. Serenity Inns prides itself on fostering an environment of support, accountability, and dignity, making it an ideal setting for men committed to lasting change. For more information about Serenity Inns, please visit www.serenityinns.org, email pr@serenityinns.org or call Serenity Inns at (414) 873-5474.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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