SAFE GC Coalition: August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event to raise awareness of overdoses, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends by providing a public opportunity to mourn free of guilt and shame. Goals also include providing information about risk for overdose and community services and preventing drug-related harm through evidence-based policy and practice. International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message about the tragedy of drug overdose death and that drug overdose is preventable.

According to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of the more than 107,600 reported drug overdose deaths in 2021, more than three-quarters were attributed to opioids. Additionally, in 2020 there were more unintentional overdose deaths in the workplace than in any other year since data collection began in 2011.

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose and remember those who have died without stigma and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. The campaign raises awareness of overdose, which is one of the world’s worst public health crises, and stimulates action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy. Since its inception in 2001, the day has been noted by governments and official organizations. Special events and kits are prepared every year to welcome the day and achieve the goals related to it.

Overdose is described as taking too much of a substance, and in this case, the overdose is related to drugs. Overdosing on drugs can be deliberate or otherwise. People deliberately overdosing on drugs may do it due to suicidal tendencies, mental illnesses, or looking to achieve higher levels of intoxication. On the other hand, people, who overdose on drugs by mistake, may do so because of incorrect measurements. Whatever the case may be, the resulting consequences are faced by the people who are close to the victims. These effects are felt on socio-economic levels. The prejudice and stigma surrounding the topic make it hard for families and friends to overcome their grief. This also, inevitably, results in less awareness. What we as a society can do is talk about the overdose more openly, support people in their struggles, and continue to fight. Even if one person is saved at the end of the day, it is a victory to be celebrated.

International Overdose Day was initiated in 2001 by a member of The Salvation Army in Australia. Since then, many community members as well as government and non-government organizations over the world have held events to raise awareness and honor those lives lost. For more information please visit www.overdoseday.com.

The SAFE Glen Cove Coalition is conducting an opioid prevention awareness campaign entitled. “Keeping Glen Cove SAFE,” in order to educate and update the community regarding opioid use and its consequences. To learn more about the SAFE Glen Cove Coalition please follow us on www.facebook.com/safeglencovecoalition or visit SAFE’s website to learn more about the Opioid Epidemic at www.safeglencove.org.