On August 31, 2017, a nonprofit organization called Tennessee Overdose Prevention hosted their 3rd Annual International Overdose Awareness Day to “remember those we've lost and help prevent overdose in our community as we listen to speakers from the community, listen to music and hold a candle light vigil”.

The event included a memorial presentation of people who lost the fight to substance abuse disorders, as well as, a photo shoot for people who had survived substance abuse disorders, which was called “TN Overdose Prevention’s “Faces of Recovery”.

The candle light vigil inspired people and organizations across Tennessee to hold their own public displays in memory of those who died from addiction. People from Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Bristol displayed the color purple in various forms for Overdose Awareness, just like Tennessee Overdose Prevention embraced wearing purple in Knoxville.