August 31-International Overdose Awareness Day
Annually, August 31 is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day, to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths. This day we acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or experienced a permanent injury or effect as a result of an overdose.
International Overdose Awareness Day serves as a reminder that overdose death is preventable—a message that’s more important than ever especially during these difficult times. Last year alone there were almost 71,000 projected overdose deaths in the United States. This statistics doesn’t even include the effects of the global pandemic that are significantly raising this number as people and health systems struggle to cope with these challenging times.
International Overdose Awareness Day was initiated in 2001 by Sally J. Finn of the Salvation Army in St. Kilda, Melbourne with the goal to dissolve the stigma. Since then, many community members, along with government and non-government organizations worldwide have been raising awareness about drug overdose through proclamations, public events and campaigns. Through the International Overdose Awareness Day, citizens are encouraged to publicly challenge the stigma associated with drug use and overdose, offer support to affected individuals and commemorate those, whose lives have been tragically lost to overdose.
It is so important to make it known that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable and more must be done to save lives. Together, communities, families, and organizations must join in a shared effort to reduce the tragedy of overdose by raising awareness to dissolve the stigma around the subject. Drug overdose knows no limits and it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, social-economic status, or background, and recognizing overdose warning signs enables and empowers families and friends to prevent overdose-related death by calling for help. As your Mayor, I will continue to make all efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. East Hartford offers a number of programs and services that provide support and counseling to families who struggle with addiction. Of note, our Youth Services Department provides a monthly Substance Abuse Prevention information sessions, an annual prevention program event called Prevention Idol along with Narcan training and more.
While it can be frightening and intimidating when a loved one reveals or demonstrates signs of drug use, it is important to be able to talk about it openly and honestly. There are a number of local and national resources available for those battling addiction. Locally, InterCommunity Health Center provides accessible, timely and responsive care to people who are seeking to recover from the effects of addictive disorders. InterCommunity can be reached at 860-569-5900 and is located at 281 Main Street in East Hartford. Additionally, 211 helpline centers have a variety of resources as well.