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International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) – held on August 31 every year – is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

Our theme for 2024 is “Together we can”, highlighting the power of our community when we all stand together.

#IOAD2024 #TogetherWeCan #EndOverdose

What we stand for

International Overdose Awareness Day is driven by the following principles...
Overdose can and must be prevented
Overdose prevention 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 health care.
Only a community-wide effort can end overdose.
Join our global movement today.

Ways to get involved

Host or join an event

Host or attend an International Overdose Awareness Day event to remember those lost to overdose, learn more about overdose, or advocate for change to end overdose.

Download and share resources

Download our campaign, advocacy and education resources and share messages about overdose and overdose prevention in your community or workplace today.

Remember with a tribute

Post a tribute to a loved one who has passed away from an overdose on the International Overdose Awareness Day tribute page. 

 

Buy merchandise

Buying and wearing merchandise is a great way to show your support and spread the messages of International Overdose Awareness Day.

Tributes from the community

Troy Edward Luke

You left us far too soon. You took what you thought was a pain pill and it was laced with fentanyl. Most of us get second chances when we make a mistake. Not with this stuff.
Your “best friend “ and your roommate watched you die for 8 hours. All they needed to do was call 911 or take you to the hospital before you were already dead. The medical examiner said Narcan would have saved your life. I’m doing my best to make people aware of the Good Samaritan Law and to carry Narcan kits. No family should feel this pain. We will never know what could have been. Forever 22. You are dearly loved and missed.
Love Momma 💖

... Lee-Ann (Momma Bear)

Lance L. Lawson

You are gone but not forgotten by our children and myself. Addiction made you become someone you wasn’t. You had a huge heart and would do anything for anyone. If only we could turn back time to spend more time with you as a family. I miss your laughter, jokes and the best back and feet massages after a long day of work. You enjoyed your love of being a over the road truck driver as well as riding your Harley in your free time. Time we can never get back but your memory will forever be in our hearts. Your lewegacy will continue to live on thru our children. A empty space has been left in my heart. Addiction took away a great man the live of my life if 35 years. May you continue to watch over us. LNA forever, my 1st and only love
I miss you and all of our good times will never be forgotten

... Angie

Deonnah Lorne Duffield

She was a wonderful daughter and mother and sister she put everyone else first she was so down to earth and it’s unfortunate that she took a pill that was laced with fentanyl she was in pain and her friend gave it to her and it killed her but she was a wonderful person it’s a shame that they put that in pills or even sell it that is one drug that is so deadly it takes a little please be aware of it but I miss her every day I love her so much not a day goes by you’re not thought of love you baby girl

... Marybeth Duffield

Kevin Knolton Jr

I’ve known Kevin since he was a baby.
He did what boys do as he got older more bold or silly upstairs. I think he was 14 just got my motor installed on my 71 442 conv going for a ride I had to grab wallet I come out little blond head pop over dashboard well he decided he wasn’t waiting.
Kevin shine bright as you made people smile and shine bright

... Scott

Kenneth Bench

I miss the nights we would watch tv together, casa Bonita, the duck store, and mostly I miss the plans I have always hoped for. I’m sorry addiction and mental health won this battle, but I promise to battle for you. Everyone misses you very much dad. I love you forever.

... Rylee

Susie Maynard

I miss how we used to laugh until we were crying or peeing, whichever came first!!! I miss your cute little feet, and how much you loved your cats, and I promise they were in GREAT HANDS, myself included. Can’t believe it’s close to 8 years now. Your momma misses you terribly, but I will look after her as well, we got very close friends after u left. I love her too! I will stock up on plenty of Irish spring for snack time…lol. see ya in the not to awful distance. Love you

... Jennifer

#IOAD. Time to Remember. Time to Act.

Overdose affects everyone. From grieving families to spontaneous first responders, the impacts of overdose are far-reaching and fall indiscriminately.

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