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Every August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) brings a global community together to take action on overdose. Hold an event, spread the message, take action today.
This year the theme for IOAD is 25 Years On. Still Needed.
For 25 years, International Overdose Awareness Day has brought people together to remember those we’ve lost and to take action to save lives.
The truth is, we shouldn’t still need this day. But we do.
Overdose continues to affect every community. Yet it can be prevented. We know how to reduce risk and keep people safe. By speaking openly, learning from one another, and treating each other with care and respect, we build a world where fewer lives are lost.
Because while this day is still needed, it doesn’t have to be forever.
#IOAD2026 #OverdoseAware #EndOverdose
Overdose is preventable – when we act
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 us to take action on overdose today.
Ways to get involved
Hold 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.
Get resources
Download our campaign, advocacy and education resources and share messages about overdose and overdose prevention in your community or workplace today.
Post a tribute
Post a tribute to a loved one who has passed away from an overdose on the International Overdose Awareness Day tribute page.
Get merchandise
Buying and wearing merchandise is a great way to show your support and spread the messages of International Overdose Awareness Day.
2025 IOAD Partners' Report
Tributes from the community
Johnathan Lloyd
My husband taken far to soon on June 17th, 2026. He wasn’t just my husband he was my best friend and my soul mate. He was also a father, a brother, a son and a really great friend to everyone he met. He will be forever missed and eternally loved….R.I.P John…
... Nicole
Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa
Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa Inoa oh my G_d Inoa, Inoa, Inoa. Oh. Oh oh oh. No no no. My heart my heart my heart, a million pieces each in a million pieces each in a million pieces, each weeping, weeping, weeping. My G_d Inoa, no, no, no, i love you i love you i love you still. Oh G_d i wish i understood, why, why, why didn’t you wake me. I could have kept you safe, you could have been here with me now, we could have been side by side for years and years and years, warming each other’s toes and soothing each other’s shoulders, making each other laugh and waking each other alive, alive, alive. Oh i wish i knew did you do this on purpose, did you want to go away, or were you just hoping for a moment’s relief? Oh, G_d, Inoa, i will love you for ever and ever and ever. I hope you are safe, i hope you are free, i hope you are warm, i hope you are happy. I hope you know how much you were loved. I wonder will i see you again. Don’t wonder that i loved you, please know that i love you still. I always will.
... Timothy
My Uncle Pernell's Girlfriebd Jeanette
My uncle pronoun out and his girlfriend Jeanette. We’re homeless, needed a place to sleep for the night. I allowed them to come to my house. They had both been clean for a while. However, she just got a big student. Check from going to school and a fresh prescription of her suboxin. Apparently they decided to get high and my uncle now woke me up in the middle of the night she had overdosed passed away. Rest in Heaven. My condolences to her children and family.
... Sanceia
Jack (Dad)
We may never know the whole story about what happened to you, but we do know that you are no longer in pain. I still want to pick up the phone to tell you about something great that happened or something new one of your great-grandkids has done. Although you didn’t get to meet any of them, stories of you will always be shared by Melyssa and Christopher. We miss you.
... Jay
Anthony
Everyone will think of your beautiful smile whenever they think of you. A lifetime of addiction ended so quickly. You are loved and missed by your family.
... Jay
My Pop
Dad, I have told myself for the last two years that I would make it out to the national overdose walk.. I am finally doing it this year. I miss you every single day and there are so many things I wish you could be here for. Not a single day goes by where I don’t miss you. I know you’re with me every step of the way. I love you, until we meet again.