Showing posts with label
International Overdose Awareness Day.
Show all posts
Showing posts with label
International Overdose Awareness Day.
Show all posts
International Overdose Awareness Day originated in 2001 at the Salvation Army needle exchange program in Melbourne Australia. Saddened by the loss of so many people, a staff member named Sally Finn decided to organize a memorial event. Just over a decade later, that event is now observed as International Overdose Awareness Day every 31 August in dozens of countries around the world.
There are at least two great things you can do to participate today. First, please donate to the Naloxone Fund, for which 100% of contributions go to purchasing naloxone for overdose projects around the USA. Funding goes through the Chicago Recovery Alliance, which was the first American harm reduction organization to distribute naloxone, and which has never stopped giving crucial support to new projects around the world.
Second, attend one of the many events happening today. The OD Day site has a list that includes many international events, and the Drug Policy Alliance has a list of events in the U.S. The DOPE Project page also has events listings and many links to news and other information.
Over the next few days we'll post a roundup of news and ideas from this year's overdose day, and you can see a report on last year's events here.
Originally founded by the Australian Salvation Army, International Overdose Awareness Day honors the value of every life and commemorates loved ones we've lost. This year there are many ways you can observe the day on August 31, including events in many cities. One of the best things you can do is to contribute to the naloxone access fund. No amount is too small (nor too large), it's tax deductible if you're in the U.S., and every dollar helps save lives.
For more information visit the International Overdose Awareness Day website. OPA's roundup of news from last year may be read here.
As we mark International Overdose Awareness Day today, there is more attention than ever to the subject and a number of excellent articles online. Here's a quick rundown of some of them:
The amazing New York City organization VOCAL is campaigning for the NY Police Department to support New York's recent 911 Good Samaritan law by training officers and conducting community outreach. The law, which goes into effect on September 18, will provide protection against arrest or prosecution for illegal drug possession (including alcohol possession for minors) for people who call an ambulance in response to an overdose. Do you live in NYC? You can support VOCAL's campaign here.
The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is pushing a similar 911 Good Samaritan bill in California, and has published an open letter to Governor Jerry Brown today. More information on DPA's work on overdose can be found here, including ways to get involved.
OPA editor Roxanne Saucier has an article on the Open Society Foundation's website on the "I'm the Evidence: Naloxone Works" video campaign organized by the Eurasian Harm Reduction Network and the Harm Reduction Coalition. Join the campaign's Facebook page here and have a look at OPA's explanation of how to contribute your own videos.
Music executive and DPA board member Jason Flom has a good op-ed in today's New York Post reflecting on overdose and the music industry. Have a look here.
The drugs, addiction and recovery magazine The Fix has a story on International Overdose Awareness Day, including links to events happening around the world.
Shawn Norton has a moving story about struggling with her daughter's overdose death and how she came to be involved in overdose prevention advocacy.
What did we miss? Please send OPA more news or your own thoughts on International Overdose Awareness Day and we'll be happy to post them.
