Public Event Honored Lives Lost to Overdose, Provided Resources
and Hope to Those Battling Substance Use Disorder
MILWAUKEE (Aug. 31, 2026) — In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31, Serenity Inns hosted a free community event that brought the community together to honor those lost to overdose, support those affected by addiction and raise awareness about resources available throughout Milwaukee.
The event, held at the Times Cinema, featured a screening of the documentary “Tipping the Pain Scale.” The film explores the challenges facing the addiction treatment system and follows individuals working to develop and implement new, innovative and sometimes controversial approaches to addressing addiction.
Following the film, a panel discussion brought together representatives from some of the top organizations working the front lines of Milwaukee’s addiction crisis, as well as a family member impacted by overdose. Panelists included:
· Ken Ginlack, CEO of Serenity Inns
· Patrice McBeath, Clinical Director at Serenity Inns
· Lt. Alberto Uscanga, Milwaukee Fire Dept.’s Milwaukee Overdose Response Initiative (MORI)
· Startina White, Assistant Director of Wisconsin Community Services
· Robin Monson-Dupuis – Author of “Spirit Son: A Mother’s Journey to Reconnect with Her Son After His Death from Overdose”
Panelists discussed addiction, recovery, treatment and the continuing impact of the overdose crisis on individuals, families and the Milwaukee community.
“International Overdose Awareness Day is an important opportunity to remember the lives lost, stand alongside families who continue to carry that loss and remind people that recovery is possible,” said Ken Ginlack, CEO of Serenity Inns. “We want this event to create space for honest conversations about addiction while connecting people with hope, resources and the people who are working every day to make a difference.”
Every August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day brings a global community together to take action on overdose. For 25 years, International Overdose Awareness Day has brought people together to remember those we’ve lost and to take action to save lives.
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) 252-0013.
