In late 2021 and again in 2022, the Red River Cultural District (RRCD) and SIMS Foundation partnered up with the Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza’s Office to create a new one-day, multi-venue music benefit concert series called “Safer Together: Overdose Prevention & Harm Reduction Saves Lives”

IMPACT: 

• RRCD provided paid opportunities for musicians to support the education and awareness of Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction
• RRCD provided paid opportunities local Austin creatives including photography artists and graphic artist supporting this event
• Community partnership with SIMS 
• Education on overdose prevention and harm reduction, including access to community resources
• Access to local Austin live music, in an independent live music venue, entry was free

Each Safer Together concert was free to attend, although each venue also collected donations at the door with 100% of proceeds raised being donated to help reduce substance use issues while supporting and enhancing the wellbeing of the music community at large. 

Safer Together was, in fact, originally created to raise awareness and funds for SIMS and its substance abuse programs following a massive surge in overdose deaths in the greater Austin area, namely from a sharp increase in fentanyl use.

The RRCD is proud to have supported this important cause as well as show support for our fellow music-minded nonprofits.