Overdose Awareness Day is a global event commemorated every August 31. It was created in 2001 by Sally J.
Finn from the Salvation Army in Melbourne, Australia. It's the world's largest campaign aimed to end overdose, reduce stigma, and acknowledge and mourn those who have died, as well as honor the grief their loved ones feel.
Our community, the She Recovers community, participates in the worldwide campaign to help raise awareness of the tragedy of overdose death and to educate people on how to prevent overdose. One year, we asked members of our community what they would say to someone who is currently at risk for overdose through their substance use disorder.
Their messages were heartfelt and helpful, and included things like People love you; you matter. Don't ever give up.
Find your people and your support system, and keep them close. Keep Narcan close if you use opioids, and please know you are worth life and love!