Every year, we observe International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st to honor loved ones lost to overdose, create community spaces for grieving and healing, offer education about overdose prevention and safer use, and share resources based in evidence and lived experience. At HaRT3S, our work is driven by the contributions of community members who use substances who have generously offered their deep and varied expertise. They have helped create more robust treatment models and resources that meet people where they’re at and recognize each individual’s autonomy to decide where they’re going.
International Overdose Awareness Day extends beyond just one day. It’s built upon six principles that we must enact every day for everyone:
- Overdose can and must be prevented.
- Overdose solutions exist–let’s use them.
- Criminalizing drug use hasn’t worked. Compassionate alternatives must be pursued.
- Policy and legislation must exist to protect individuals and communities, and ensure basic human rights and needs are met.
- Everyone has a right to respectful and comprehensive healthcare.
- Only a community-wide effort can end overdose.
Find an Overdose Awareness Day event near you.
Learn more about overdose basics and overdose prevention.
Find naloxone near you in WA state.
Check out local harm reduction resources near you.
