International Overdose Awareness Day - National Safety Council

A Woman Holding a Picture of Her Loved One on International Overdose Awareness Day According to provisional data from the CDC, of the more than 107,600 reported drug overdose deaths in 2021, more than three-quarters were attributed to opioids. Additionally, in 2020 there were more unintentional overdose deaths in the workplace than in any other year since data collection began in 2011.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held Aug. 31 each year to remember those gone too soon from overdose deaths.

What can you do?

Encourage your workplace to participate in IOAD observance activities
Hold a candlelight vigil
Offer an educational program, such as one related to preventing opioid use, in partnership with a local organization
Provide a safe space for telling the stories of overdose victims
Offer a large canvas and washable paint so survivors can add a handprint in memory of their loved one
Display empty hats or shoes to represent the number of lives lost in the community
Add the name of a loved one who died of an opioid overdose to the Celebrating Lost Loved Ones map
Purchase or create purple wristbands, pins, shirts or other items and wear them on Aug. 31
Research state and federal legislation that addresses opioid overdose prevention, and write to your representative
Support NSC efforts to end the opioid epidemic by making a gift in honor of a loved one
Find additional resources at overdoseday.com

Make a Difference on International Overdose Awareness Day

What can you do?

For Prescribers

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