Worcester Participates In International Overdose Awareness Day

WORCESTER, MA—International Overdose Awareness Day originated in 2001 after a discussion between Sally J. Finn and Peter Streker, as Finn was managing a needle program for the Salvation Army in Australia. Finn was co-ordinator of the Community and Health Development Program at the City of Port Phillip.

They planned an event to give ribbons away to commemorate those touched by overdoses. That year, 6,000 people participated. The following year, requests started coming from other areas, and other countries.

It grew, and spread around the globe, and since 2012 International Overdose Awareness Day has been organized by an Australian nonprofit and celebrated on Aug. 31. Communities in countries around the world now commemorate the day.

Worcester recognizes International Overdose Awareness all day at UMass Memorial Medical Center on North Lake Ave.

Their outdoor event includes flags recognizing the number of deaths in Massachusetts in 2016 by overdose deaths. In addition, the hospital has staffed recovery coaches standing by to speak out on prevention especially with the help of Narcan. Also, speakers discuss services within the hospital for those with substance use disorders, and those who need help in this area.

A Candlelight Vigil of Memory and Hope is held on Aug. 31 at 5:30 p.m. at Worcester City Hall Common and Plaza.

The Worcester Department of Health and Human Services, along with community partners, honor International Overdose Awareness Day with a candlelight vigil and an addiction and recovery awareness campaign at the Worcester Common. There is also an opportunity for people to receive information and referral to services for addiction and recovery. The event provides an opportunity for the public to express sorrow while also raising awareness on the actions needed to provide more services for recovery and improve understanding of the opioid abuse epidemic.

Read more and find events near you.