August 31st marks International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), a global campaign to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and end overdose. This year’s IOAD theme is “Together We Can End Overdose,” highlighting the power of collective action to tackle this pressing public health issue.
Overdose remains a devastating crisis, with over 100,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2022 alone. However, there is hope. IOAD provides an opportunity to honor loved ones lost, support those impacted by substance use, and share life-saving information and resources.
Key goals of IOAD include:
– Mourning loved ones who have died from overdose
– Showing support and value for people who use drugs and those in recovery
– Informing the public about overdose risks and available support services
– Promoting evidence-based overdose prevention and harm reduction strategies
You can get involved by partnering with IOAD organizers, sharing social media content, distributing educational materials, and educating your community. Together, we can save lives and end the overdose epidemic. Visit cdc.gov for more details and resources.
Synopsis:
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global campaign held annually on August 31st to end overdose. The campaign aims to:
1. Provide an opportunity to publicly mourn loved ones who have died from overdose.
2. Convey that people who use drugs and those in recovery are valued.
3. Inform the public about overdose risks and available support services.
4. Promote evidence-based overdose prevention and harm reduction strategies.
IOAD partners can participate by sharing social media content, distributing educational materials, and educating their communities. The CDC has released resources to support healthcare providers in discussing naloxone and overdose prevention with patients. Visit cdc.gov for more details on how to get involved.
Checklist:
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) Checklist:
❏ Post IOAD messages on social media using the hashtags #TogetherWeCan, #IOAD2024, and #EndOverdose.
❏ Share IOAD digital content, web features, and materials online.
❏ Use sample articles to share IOAD information in newsletters, emails, and other communications.
❏ Download free IOAD educational materials and participate in interactive trainings.
❏ Educate communities and healthcare providers about overdose awareness and prevention.
❏ Visit cdc.gov for more resources to share and details on how to get involved in IOAD.