KANNAPOLIS — Today marks the start of Hope Over Heroin, a two-day gathering created in 2014 to shine a spotlight on heroin addiction with a prayer walk, memorials, live music and testimonials from people who have overcome addictions.

The outreach event will begin at 6 p.m. today at Village Park, 700 W. C St. in Kannapolis.

The live music and testimonials will begin at 7 p.m. The gathering will end at 9 p.m. with a call to action.

Beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, a children’s program, live music and more testimonials will be featured.

Hope Over Heroin, a nonprofit organization based in Ohio, organizes outreach rallies in cities hardest hit by the heroin epidemic and works to raise awareness of the problem and show that overcoming addiction is possible.

The rally will feature representatives of addiction services, community health organizations, churches and other agencies that support people working to overcome addiction.

For more information about Hope Over Heroin, visit www.hopeoverheroin.com or call 844-HOPE-777.