August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day
08/31/2021
2021 was a challenging year, one where overdose deaths rose dramatically in WA State and nationwide. Each of those deaths represents a friend, family member, or member of our community.
Every August 31, the International Overdose Awareness Day campaign works to end overdose, reduce stigma of drug-related death, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind from those who have died. This year’s theme is “Time to Remember. Time to Act.” The campaign is using #EndOverdose on social media.
Events
Many organizations across WA State will hold events on or around August 31, with most of them providing free naloxone kits and training on how to recognize and respond to an overdose. These are all free events and are open to anyone who would like to attend. For more information about an event in your area, please email naloxoneprogram@doh.wa.gov.
Find a list of Washington Overdose Awareness Day events here.
Proclamation
The Governor’s Office has issued a proclamation for Overdose Awareness Day to highlight the importance of this issue in Washington State. The proclamation is attached. President Joe Biden also issued a proclamation for Overdose Awareness Week, August 29-September 4.
Resources
- International Overdose Awareness Day: remember a loved one, connect or post on social media, or learn more about overdose.
- Stopoverdose.org
- Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Program, WA Department of Health: resources on opioid overdose response, Statewide Standing Order for naloxone, and learn more about how your organization can start to distribute naloxone.
- LearnAboutTreatment.org, resources and education on treatments for opioid use disorder and stimulant use disorder.
- Washington Recovery Help Line can connect you with options for substance use disorder treatment including with their medications for opioid use disorder treatment locator.
Resources compiled by Alison Newman. MPH.
