This year, International Overdose Awareness Day is Saturday, August 31. On this day, we raise awareness about overdose and acknowledge those who have lost their lives due to overdose.
This year’s theme is “Together We Can”. In Middlesex County, we can work together to reduce the stigma for those with a substance use disorder and support those who are affected by overdose.
Piscataway’s First International Overdose Awareness Day Ceremony
On August 15th, Wellspring Center for Prevention, Piscataway Township and Girl Scout Ambassador and Youth Coalition member, Tanvi Narava hosted the town’s first International Overdose Awareness Day Ceremony.
The ceremony included guest speakers, overdose education, Narcan distribution and a special candlelight ceremony. Piscataway Mayor Brian Wahler gave his condolences to those who lost loved ones to overdose and said to the families, “You are sending a powerful message to those that are tempted by drugs and those in the grip of addiction. Your stories of loss and suffering will be heard by others and other tragedies can be prevented and other lives can be saved.”
About International Overdose Awareness Day
International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest campaign focused on addressing the issue of overdose, providing a platform to honor the memory of those who have died and offering support to grieving families and friends. The annual event seeks to raise awareness of the global overdose crisis, encouraging discussions and actions centered on evidence-based approaches to prevention and drug policy reform.
The campaign emphasizes that drug overdose is preventable, advocating for a shift from criminalizing drug use toward more compassionate, community-based responses. It highlights the importance of policies that protect human rights and ensure access to comprehensive healthcare, aiming to create a safe environment for mourning and to engage people who use drugs in discussions about their value in society.
First initiated in 2001 by Sally J Finn at The Salvation Army in Melbourne, International Overdose Awareness Day has grown significantly, with over 1,000 events held annually around the world. Since 2012, the campaign has been led by the Australian public health organization, Penington Institute, continuing to expand its reach and impact globally.