International overdose 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.
Overdose Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable. Wear Silver to show your support.
Taking its key themes as prevention and remembrance, its goals are:

• To provide an opportunity for people to publicly mourn for loved ones, some for the first time, without feeling guilt or shame.


• To include the greatest number of people in Overdose Awareness Day events, and encourage non-denominational involvement.


• To give community members information about the issue of fatal and non fatal overdose.


• To send a strong message to current and former drug users that they are valued.


• To stimulate discussion about overdose prevention and drug policy.


• To provide basic information on the range of support services that exists in the local community.


• To prevent and reduce drug-related harm by supporting evidence-based policy and practice.


• To remind all of the risks of overdose.

International Overdose Awareness Day is guided and supported by the International Overdose Awareness Day Committee.