International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held on August 31st each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.

As many as 226,000* people die each year from drug-related deaths, mostly overdoses. These lives lost are not just statistics; they were family and friends.

Now is the time for you to get involved for 2015.

Overdose Day events are held around the world. They range from community education campaigns to community vigils. Our webpage shows it need not take huge resources to be part of this year’s events:

There are a number of ways that you can contribute to the Overdose Day campaign this year. Your organisation can:

• Include overdose prevention and remembrance messages in your communications in the lead up to Overdose Day 2015 (including media statements, newsletters, websites and social media postings);
• Host an event on or around 31 August, or partner with similar organisations and plan one together;
• Inspire your clients, partners and community to also arrange or attend events.

Overdose Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable. Wear Silver to show your support.

The theme for 2015 is Rethink and Remember.

Our 2015 resources are available for you to use and share

New resources for 2015 are available for download. Visit the resources page to access posters and fact sheets to support what you’re doing locally. If you’ve got resources that you’re using to support your efforts, we’d love to see them. The best way to do that is contact us directly or to post them to our Facebook page so others can access them as well.

Our event support kit is also available to download – the kit gives you practical information and advice on how to arrange an event, get others involved, work with the media and celebrate with your local community.

It’s less than one month to go until Overdose Day 2015 - register your event now and join thousands around the world that are holding events!

As Overdose Day approaches, organisers across the globe are busy organising their events. We have several events currently registered on the Overdose Day website with many more still to come in. Overdose Day events can be simple and still be effective. There is plenty of time still to plan and organise one. Please contact us if you need help with event ideas or tips.

If you’re yet to register your event, make sure to visit our overdose day site and register your event so that others can know what you’re doing and can share it with others. While you’re there, check out what others are doing to in your local area.

Need some inspiration? Check out the #birdsofhope campaign from our friends in Lexington, Kentucky.

Our event last year was impactful. We had public officials, people in recovery and grieving families in attendance. I personally had focused on the opportunity to educate and advocate and was overwhelmed by the grieving families who came.” Says Shelley Elswick from Lexington, Kentucky.

“2015 should be larger than last year. We have involved churches in our city and they have donated transportation so that we can bring residents from local rehabs to the park. We have a citywide art project, called #birdsofhope campaign, where our volunteers and supporter have built and painted beautiful birdhouse. The public is invited to write a message to someone lost to overdose or addiction which helps grieving public who cannot be present at the event be involved and feel supported”

Overdose Day Badges are available

Our silver Overdose Day badges are available via the website – order now to ensure that you receive them in time for 31 August.

Be a part of the conversation this Overdose Day

Join the conversation this Overdose Day – join our social media hubs on Facebook and Twitter. Talk to friends and loved ones about overdose and spread the message about overdose prevention.

Click here for more information.

Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.