A candlelight vigil on Monday will remember those who have died from drug overdoses. The vigil comes at a time when Rhode Island is struggling to turn the tide on heroin and prescription drug addiction.

In the past five years, Rhode Island has lost more than 1,000 people to accidental drug overdoses. An advocacy group called Rhode Island Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts has organized tonight’s vigil to remember them, and support their friends and loved ones.

But as organizer and Miriam Hospital researcher Michelle McKenzie says, the event will also promote recovery from addiction.

“This is definitely an opportunity for people to come together around their loss,” says McKenzie. “But it is on the 31^st, and the month of September is Recovery Month.”

McKenzie says everyone is welcome to gather at St. Therese Church at 7 pm. Organizers will hand out candles.