Falls turns purple for drug overdose awareness

The Horseshoe Falls will be illuminated in purple Friday night to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day.

The event, held at locations around the world, raises awareness of the impact drug overdoses have on individuals and families and tries to reduce the stigma surrounding a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief those deaths cause.

The group NAMES — Niagara Area Moms Ending Stigma — will hold a vigil in Oakes Garden Theatre during the illumination, from 9 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. The vigil is open to the public; look for the people with the purple glowsticks.