Families and local organizations gathered at the Highmark Caring Place Thursday to share stories and raise awareness for drug overdoses.

The event, hosted by the Erie County Regional Recovery Hub, was held in collaboration with Taylor's Hope, the Lake Erie Youth Road Crew, and HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response. Families took part in memorial videos, a luminary vigil, and met with therapy dogs.

The event comes ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day Sunday.