International Overdose Awareness Day
August 30, 2024
International Overdose Awareness Day is a worldwide event focused on increasing awareness about overdoses and lowering the stigma associated with drug-related deaths. Held every August 31, this global event honours those who have lost their lives to overdoses and reaffirms our commitment to preventing such deaths, whether at work or elsewhere.
International Overdose Awareness Day was founded in 2001 by Sally J Finn at The Salvation Army in St Kilda, Melbourne. Since then, both community groups and various organizations have hosted events to raise awareness and honour those lost to drug overdoses. Over 1,000 events take place globally each year to support efforts to end overdoses.
The goals of International Overdose Awareness Day are to:
- Offer a safe space for people to mourn their loved ones without guilt or shame, sometimes for the first time.
- Engage as many people as possible in the events, promoting involvement from all backgrounds.
- Share information about both fatal and non-fatal overdoses.
- Send a strong message that individuals who use drugs are valued.
- Foster discussions about overdose prevention and drug policy.
- Provide basic details on available support services.
- Support evidence-based policies and practices to reduce drug-related harm.
- Raise global awareness about the risks of overdose.
This year's theme, “Together We Can,” emphasizes the strength of our community when we unite in our efforts. To that end, we have prepared a list of resources to support Canadians who may be or may know some struggling with addiction.
Ontario Harm Reduction Distribution Program
Ontario Harm Reduction Network
PeerWorks Member List: Members across Ontario have programs to support people struggling with substance use challenges.