TRAIL OF TRUTH
is an artistic event with a powerful purpose to memorialize our loved ones lost to substance use related causes, while using the magnitude of our collective loss to create change. The event includes an arts installation of the National Memorial Cemetery, healing opportunities, speakers, singers, a live performance art piece including the family members, and a march to demand immediate access to treatment and the end of discrimination in medical care.
The next Trail of Truth National event will be held on September 27th 2025.
2025 NATIONAL EVENT
11AM-4PM
MEMORIAL CEMETERY OPEN
The National Memorial Cemetery is filled with tombstones hand painted by artists, activists, and directly impacted community members for loved ones lost to substance use related causes from across the country. Take a moment to walk through the cemetery, read the names, and understand the impact of the crisis. Over 3,500 loved ones are memorialized in this year’s event.
The National Trail of Truth will be held on the National Mall at 3rd St SW, in Washington, DC.
11AM-4:00PM
HEALING OPPORTUNITIES
Organizations from around the country will be tabling, as well as hosting their own group grief displays. Free Narcan training will be available throughout the event, as well as tombstone painting and other creative outlets.
4:00PM - 6:00PM
SPEAKERS AND PERFORMERS
Hear from experienced subject matter experts and people with lived experience on the past, present, and future of the epidemic of substance use related deaths.
TRAIL OF TRUTH PHOTOS
Memorialize your loved one in future Trail of Truth events
Become a TRAIL Blazer, join the movement
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We will come together to demand nationwide instant access to treatment and the end of discriminatory practices in medical care.