International Overdose Awareness Day
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is the world’s annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
Every August 31st, people and communities around the world observe International Overdose Awareness Day with political declarations, memorials, vigils, community education sessions, naloxone demonstrations and more.
People gather to call for an end to a preventable health crisis which is claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every year while also remembering those who have been lost and recognising the grief of the loved ones who have been left behind.
The campaign is convened by Penington Institute, an independent public health organisation based in Melbourne and the creators of LifeSavers.
International Overdose Awareness Day is a direct response to the overdose crisis sweeping the world. In addition to raising awareness, it spreads the message that overdose deaths are preventable and that there is a growing worldwide movement of people committed to reducing the number of people and families permanently affected by overdose.
Participating in the campaign
Public interest in International Overdose Awareness Day is growing.
The campaign has grown every year since it was first recognised in 2001.
Attending an International Overdose Awareness Day event or hosting your own is a meaningful way to stand together to remember those people who have lost their lives to overdose and call for change.
Events can range from large public demonstrations or seminars to small overdose prevention training sessions or private commemorations and vigils.
To learn more about the International Overdose Awareness Day campaign, visit the Participation 101 page.
Another thoughtful way to connect with the campaign is by posting a tribute to a loved one who has passed away from overdose. To submit a tribute, visit the International Overdose Awareness Day website and go to the Tributes page.
Alternatively, you can submit a tribute directly to the Overdose Tribute Instagram page created by Penington Institute.
Donations can be made on the campaign website.
You can also connect with International Overdose Awareness Day on social media via the campaign Facebook page or follow on Twitter.