Drug overdoses killed a record 3,050 people last year in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

To help combat the addiction epidemic, The University of Toledo Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi is hosting its second be-WISE-er event on substance abuse 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1 in the Student Union Auditorium.

Team Recovery, a local organization of recovering heroin addicts who are working to help other addicts get sober, will make the keynote presentation, which will be followed by a panel discussion and question-and-answer session.

Alpha Kappa Psi is the nation’s largest and oldest co-ed professional business fraternity.

“We are proud to present this free community event to continue the fight against the crippling issue of substance abuse,” said Natalie Zerucha, be-WISE-er organizer and human resource management and marketing major in the College of Business and Innovation.

Several community organizations will provide information about what people can do if they or someone they know is addicted to harmful substances. Participants will have an opportunity to wear beer goggles for a unique sensory experience.

Be-WISE-er, which is open to the public, will focus on college-age individuals who are at risk of becoming addicted to alcohol and other drugs. Free food, t-shirts and prizes will be available.

More than 300 people participated in the first be-WISE-er event last spring when one of the keynote speakers was Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, who shared his experience of losing his 18-year-old son in a drunk-driving accident.

“Alpha Kappa Psi is truly humbled by the community’s support of our first be-WISE-er event, and we look forward to growing be-WISE-er so that it has as big an impact on the city as possible,” Zerucha said. “With our second event, we know that we can help build a better college community, as well as a better Toledo.”