Gov. Beshear Orders Flags to Half-Staff for Overdose Victims

Executive Mansion will be lit purple for overdose awareness

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 30, 2025) - Gov. Andy Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, Aug. 31, in observance of Overdose Awareness Day in Kentucky. In addition to lowering the flag, the Governor's Mansion will be lit purple, the color designated to show support for overdose awareness, on Saturday and Sunday.

"As we recognize Overdose Awareness Day here in the commonwealth, we remember those we have lost, offer support to their families and stand with those still struggling," said Gov. Beshear. "Every life lost is a child of God, and we are committed to making even more progress in our fight against addiction to provide more recovery resources, protect more lives and honor our fellow Kentuckians gone too soon."

Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held each year on Aug. 31 to raise awareness of drug overdoses, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends as they remember those who have died or have a permanent injury as a result of a drug overdose.

Flags across the commonwealth are already at half-staff until sunset on Sunday in remembrance of the victims of shooting violence in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the commonwealth to join in this tribute to overdose victims as well.

Flag status information is available at governor.ky.gov/flag-status.

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