ATTEND A LOCAL EVENT
Attending an overdose awareness event is a powerful way to stand together to remember people who have been lost.
PROMOTIONAL RESOURCES
We provide campaign materials to share within your community to help prevent overdose.
DONATE
Donate and help to raise awareness of overdose and spread the message that the tragedy of overdose is preventable.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
The silver badge or the purple wristband are symbols of awareness of overdose and its effects. Wearing these can signify the loss of someone cherished; or demonstrate support to those bearing a burden of grief. It sends out a message. That message is that the infinite value of each human being nullifies presumption, prejudice and stigma towards people who use drugs.
RETHINK
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held on August 31st each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.
Overdose Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable. Wear Silver to show your support.
VIDEOS
Thousands of people die each year from drug related causes.They come from all walks of life.
Do you recognise the signs and symptoms of overdose? What is the impact of drug use and overdose on family, friends and those experiencing it?
These videos are where people affected by the impact of drugs use and overdose share some of their stories.
“There wasn’t any white light. I didn’t make out Jesus or see my dead family members. It was just oblivion and it was very frightening.”
REMEMBER
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This has been a rough month, on June 8th we struggled through the second anniversary of the day you left us. Peter was the most amazing son, grandson, friend, and fisherman. He enjoyed the simple things, the beauty of nature and his passion for fishing. He experienced more in his 23 years on this earth than most people do in a lifetime and I'm so thankful for that. He was the most intelligent kind hearted man, and even through his sickness he was still a caring loving person always lending a helping hand. I wish so bad everyday when I wake up that it was a dream and you're still here, but it is not. It is a terrible reality that I can't hear you're voice or see you're beautiful smile. I miss you every single day and I always pray to you for strength and you always hear me. Drug abuse is one of the most painful things any person can endure society needs to stop judging and start helping because we're losing beautiful children everyday to this disease. I love you Peter, until we meet again angel.Lily -
In loving memory of Tyson Lajoie. always and forever in our hearts. #24
Pottstown PA USAAndrea Quinter -
"To all my girlfriends who left this place too early!" Love, Waz xoxoxoWaz
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My best friend, Casey, gave in to the struggle of heroin addiction on January 22nd, 2014. He was by far the best person in many lives. He was a light for a lot of people and we were very blessed to have him here for the 23 and a half years that he was. I see people every day that look just like him. I still look for him walking down the street. I still wait for his text messages wishing me a happy birthday or a Merry Christmas. The last thing he ever said to me was that he couldn't wait for me to get back into town to see him. He said he loved and missed me so much and that he'd see me in a few months... That never happened. Heroin ruined his life. It consumed him in such an unbelievable way. He was my unicorn. My one and only. It's hard to go on most days. I'll love and miss him my whole life.Lex
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In loving memory of my precious son, Jeffrey William Normile 10/28/1984 to 5/25/2016. You were and are loved by so many. You lost your fight, the damn drugs won and my life will never be the same. Rest in peace, I love you 💚 Lakewood, OHJane Normile
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Lovingly we remember friends from Louisville, Ky. who left us all to soon. You are forever all in our hearts, although it is very difficult for us who have been left behind, we will try our best to celebrate your lives. Love, The Johnny Squire FamilyThe Johnny Squire Foundation
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Our son Matthew died from a drug overdose September23,2008.
MarreroJulie -
I am posting in memory of my boyfriend of 8 years, and the father of my two children, Joshua Rash. He passed away February 21, 2015. He struggled for 2.5 years with heroin addiction. He would stay clean for months and then slip up for a week or two, and begin the cycle again. He went to rehab, he was in drug court for 6 months. He was trying to stay clean. He did it one more time. And that was all it took, and he died. We miss him everyday. He was an amazing dad, and not only my boyfriend but my best friend.Kristin
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Three years ago on 12/8/2012 we learnt about your passing. We believe you passed away a day earlier. Not a day goes by that I don't miss you, cry for you and think about you. World has become a darker place. I hope you are happy were you are. Till we meet again Szumku. Love you. Mum.Iwona
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In loving memory of my 19-year-old son Duncan Smith, who struggled for years with depression and substance abuse, and died on June 11, 2013 of a morphine overdose. He took some long-acting morphine tablets (MS Contin) because he couldn't find the Percocet that he wanted. Died on our couch in his own home. We all miss him so and wish he was still here with us. We hope he is at peace now.Barbara
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Our little brother Justin Lee Smith. Gone but never forgotten. 11 May 1990 - 15 May 2013Keri Schneider
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Saddest moment was the medics telling me you had passed away, over the phone. Your SSI I'd tried helping you get to apts to apply for, came as first lump sum payment, 2 days after you were found dead. In time to bury you. I pray you found a better place, with a great view of ballgames. Angels Away.Pam
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David Cimicata, not a day goes by that I don't miss you or think of your smiling face. It broke my heart when we went our separate ways but I was ready to get better and sadly you were not. I have 1002 days clean from heroin and cocaine today & I'm 12 weeks off of methadone today as well. I like to think you are watching down over me, that you are proud & I try to take comfort in knowing that in our own ways we are now both free of the demons that we so desperately needed to escape. I wish I could have saved you. I love you always. RIP Ducky❤
Rochester NYEmily Bobry -
Zechariah, I know you thought you were just doing a recreational line of Cocaine. You see, there isn't a recreational linen The cocaine was laced with Fentanyl. I am not much of a person to cry Son, but I have cried almost every day for two years now. I see your two beautiful children and I cry. I think of you and I cry. My mission now is to jeep your memory precious. Not allow ignorance to label. Mom❤️ Hobart/ Indiana/ USABeverly L Wingo
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To my beautiful son Shane Tyler Gwynne: In 24 days you will be gone 2 years. Every single day is a tearful battle for me. There are still so many things I can't understand about addiction and why. I hope you know how very much you were and are loved and missed. As my first born child you had an extra special place in my heart that can never be filled. Love Mom xoxoLisa Harbison
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Sean,
You were an amazing person who fought a horrible demon that ended up taking your life and continues to haunt the streets of the world. Your two boys and I miss you everyday and everyday there isn't a moment we don't think of you and wish you were here. You were an amazing person who didn't deserve this.
You will always have my heart and I will never forget who you truly were.Love you, Sam
Carson City NVSamantha Perry -
grover you will always be remembered 7/1978 - 6/2007pam
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On this day I can take the time to remember the beautiful people that I have lost due to drug overdose without feeling any stigma or shame about the way in which they died. To often drug overdose deaths are passed off by the family as something else because of this stigma, judgement or shame. August 31st is the one day that we can remember our loved ones and talk openly about how they died and not be ashamed of this. With love to all those I've lost and miss dearly every day X BallaratNic
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My love, I wish I knew how deep was ur addiction, we miss u everyday! Is being two months... am still waiting for u to knock my door!!! I still believe that u are coming home. The best days were when u were sober, happy, I miss ur smile.... RIP George B. 05/07/77-10/13/16Marce
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Mom, I lost you on 12/12/12 at 2am. My life has never been the same. I wish I knew how bad it really was for you. Pills took you from me. Sadness and depression took you from me. I was so young and didn't want to see it or believe it. I totaled my car a week ago and flipped 3 times. The state trooper said I'm more than lucky to still be alive. I know you had your arms around me. I love you momma. "To the moon and back a million times" I need you so much. My beautiful Angel!Jessica
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I lost my sister to an overdose on December 24,2011. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her. She was my only sibling and my best friend. I still can't believe that she is gone on somedays and its been 5 years. I'm thinking about you today Lisa. The day you died part of my heart died with you. You will never be forgotten. See you again some day.Diane
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On August 12th my daughter and I received the call we never wanted to get but knew there was a possibility that one day it would come. NOTHING can prepare you for the loss of your child. At the young age of 25 Bret was found in his truck all alone. We have since found out that his addiction was much worse than we ever thought and the one question we will never have an answer to is WHY?Karen & Brittany
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To: Chris, Katie, and Kyle Three amazing lives lost.. Three stories never finished. Who would you be today? Kyle - what would our children look like? I will never forget you three. Gone but never forgotten! - DanielleDanielle
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I lost my grandson Chad to a heroin overdose 12/3/15
Pulaski Va.Mary Donald -
I'm on to it all, I will never give up on the truth and seeking justice for you, I will search and I will find the people, the idiots who did this to you, and I will bring them to account. Yes I'm mad, mad angry!! My goal is justice, because there just isn't any! I hope I get sick, don't have to take my own life, but it isn't a life without you my heart and soul are broken, I know how you felt, but didn't mean to die. In the wrong company, or without any company, people in this life will kill you.Michele
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In Loving Memory of Lindsey MAmanda
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To: Heath, Andy and Lisa Three great loves, three great lives. Never ever forgotten.Anon
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Dylan A Berman 8/5/87 - 11/21/13. Sending my beloved son, my only child healing love and light! I love you Dylan❣Lesley
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Lost my son Justin on 2/11/2014 at the age of 29. Devastating loss,he was kind loving funny all around awesome person. I miss him so much everyday. My heart is broken and will never be the same ?Zelia
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For my handsome. Loving, smart, son Ryan who left us too early this year in jan 30th. He was home for. It even 48hrs and overdosed and we had to let him go! He left behind a legacy. His 5 yr old son who will never remember his daddy who loved him more then life. His 3 sisters and brother. My heart will never be the same I am so so sad! Milwaukee wi usaMari jo
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I lost my baby Brother on June 17, 2016 at the age of 23 to a heroin overdose. My heart is broken and my life is forever changed. My thoughts and prayers go out to those addicted, the families of those addicted, and those who have suffered a lose. I have cried everyday for the last 39 days and I wouldn't wish this on anyone!!! I can only hope to learn how to help others who are struggling. RIP Kenny Boy, forever family, always in our hearts♥Crystal
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http://www.joehieb.comDaniel Hieb
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4/21/15~ Walking through the zoo, singing 'Hakuna Matata', Coleman's favorite Disney movie/song and we find out on Facebook that he has died. I love and miss you more than I have ever loved or missed before~Coleman Kapiloff Hammond (8/7/90-4/21/15)Susan
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Derek Edward's Douglass Beck July 08 1975 - Deep September 23 1994 My beautiful boy, how I miss you. All the hopes and dreams I had for us have all but died. They died the moment your heart stopped beating. I I often wonder if getting you clean was a mistake. Maybe you would have been happier with a needle in your arm. I wasn't there when you came into this world, but I was there when you left. I guess that counts for something. I hope you have found the peace you couldn't find here. I miss you, I I will miss you every day until the day I die.Nikita
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Remembering my son Ryan Helton, who departed Earth 8-21-2010Barb
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We all make mistakes thats our trait. To carry this to the grave or in the grave. I love everyone i lost, people in recovery, and people still running. Theres hope. Progress over perfectiob. Just give it a shotChris
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My sweet son, Joshua Raffray, overdosed on 01-31-16 at the young age of 32. I was proud to be called your Mom and will forever miss you. Life will never be the same for all that loved you, especially me. Forever and Always in my heart.Elisa
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Winning The Fight will be honoring those that have lost, and those that have lived through a drug overdose. Never when we brought you home from the hospital Brett, would I have ever thought you would have left us so early because of drugs. We miss you so very much. Our lives have this huge hole. Everyday we get up and carry on with our lives, but there is always that deep sadness of you not being here. Please continue to watch over us and all the important people in our lives. Our goal now is to save as many lives as possible. Need your help with that. With all my love, MomKathy O'Keefe
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Remembering a good friend, Jesse Lanahan that had such a memorable character and amazing sense of humor. He could make anybody laugh and had such a big heart. Your son looks so much like you, it's a blessing. Fly high, buddy and we'll take care of business down here for you. It still isn't the same without you. <3 Love and miss you always.Janae
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The call came on a Monday night, 4 months ago. The worst day of my life! My loving, beautiful, kind, empathetic only child, Ian, was gone. Screw the five stages, I am just incredibly sad. He was, and stiil is, the love of my life, and his generous soul is missed by so many. God help me carry on in his honor and hugs to all who have to endure this pain. Madison, WI USADeanna
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this is for my big sister and brother, whom both died from overdosing. Remember you did not die in vain. I love and miss you everyday. until we meet again, love you bothsherry mclaughlin
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My birthday will never be a day of happiness it was the day I lost my estranged husband and the father of my five children to a drug overdose it was a horrible end to a wonderful man who was trying to change and get his life and family back I was unsure if he was actually going to do the things he said on December 1 but he never had the chance too and we are left wondering John we love and miss you very much may you finally be at peaceJennifer
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John Joseph Hurtuk IV 10/10/90-06/27/16 25 years 8 months 17 days Son, brother, uncle, friend. An amazing worker, fisherman to be exact. He was going on back to back trips so he could stay clean, bringing in thousands of dollars and still managed to stay sober. Until that one day that he decided one more time would be okay, it wasn't okay. My first forever friend was taken away by heroin, he fought so hard to get clean, to stay clean. Remember that one last time could be your last time. Forever missed, forever loved, never forgotten. I love you John I hope your story can help to save a life, I won't let your death be in vain.Erica
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Prince. Nothing compares to you. Thank you for everything you gave us. This world is so quiet without you. Miss you everyday. Your fans have set up a website to help those suffering with opioid addiction. www.waybackhome.org ?Valory
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To my beautiful girl Zoe, we love you, we miss you, we think about you every day. Your story is making a real difference, lives are being touched, lives are being saved. I just wish more than anything in the world, that I could have you back with me. Loving you so much, Forever Mom.Robin Kellner
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In loving memory of my friend Eric Aul, (07/26/85-12/18/12) who tried so valiantly to conquer his demons. R.I.P. You will live forever in my heart and although your death causes me immense pain, my fond memories of you bring me great joy. See you at the crossroads!Steven
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Rich we miss you so much,. Amber and RJ also miss you . Rest in peace my son Love you, hugs and kisses from all
Millersville, Md.Richard and Blanche Dymond -
June 20 2014 was the day my heart shattered into a thousand jagged pieces. I lost my best friend, my love, my Daniel. There will forever be a Daniel-sized hole in my heart. I am grateful for the time I did get to spend with you my darling, wonderful friend. I carry with me your smile, your laugh, the voice you used any time you talked to cats, the way you tilted your head before you said something uncertain, running into you randomly at work and smiling from ear to ear when I did, your beard, your hats, that stupid top drawer in your bathroom that broke every time I tried to get my toothbrush, the smell of your face wash, how OCD you were about your coffee pot and your protein powders, the sound you made the first time I took you to eat Indian food, the way you said "buttercream icing", watching you feed buttercream icing to my cat - I still blame you for his obesity, by the way... I miss you. I miss your heart. I miss your face. I miss your everything. I hate that you were in so much pain that heroin was your escape. I love you for loving me and for letting me love you. All the days I will live the rest of my life without you are worth the short amount of days I got to live with you. Love with you. Love you. My friend. xxEllen
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Richard Moore sadly passed of a heroin overdose on 30th August 2014. He was hiding his addiction and comes as a shock to the people closest to him. His funeral is tomorrow and we are raising money to go towards your charity to help bring awareness to how vast this problem is. It has opened my eyes to the world of drugs and addiction and think there's so much that can be done to help others from ending up in the same situation. We need to wipe clean the stigma behind drugs and allow the addicts to be able to get the help they need and don't hide their addiction. Thankyou.Stacey
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254 days or a little over 8 months you've been gone. Mark I love you more than I ever believed possible. You were so funny and smart and you fought so hard to beat this crazy, horrific disease of addiction. You are no longer struggling and you can sing with the angels now. I love you infinity times infinity plus one sunshine.Tricia