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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.

#IOAD2025 #OverdoseAware #EndOverdose #OneBigFamily

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.

2024 IOAD Partners' Report

Download our 2024 report now to find out more about the impact of our collective efforts to end overdose.

Tributes from the community

My Siblings Justin Felix, Jennifer Felix & Jeannine Mattess

Losing one sibling was unimaginable but losing 3 has been an overbearing hurt I am struggling to cope with. I lost 3 of my younger siblings to drug poisoning in only a span of 3 years. I lost my sister Jennifer Felix on February 23rd, 2022. Just I lost him on June 16th, 2024 & just the other day my sister Jeannine Mattess passed away on November 1st, 2025. My family has not brought her home as we are left to wait for the coroners to complete the autopsy & toxicology to find out exactly how she died. This crisis has been so devastating it has been & continues to destroy family’s friends & entire communities from coast to coast to coast. As a person who is personally affected by this surmounting issue, I say it is time to put an end. I as a person with mental health & addiction issue see no hope in ending this crisis, I do however see a path forward to be inclusive around the subject of addiction, to come together as leaders as health providers as justice workers & social supporters & collaborate with the people who are affected by these issues. Support, inclusion & collaboration is one key tool needed but what is also needed is employment & training, peer networking, compassion & understanding.

... Samantha Felix

My brother Doug.

I miss my brother so much . I wish I could have helped you or saved you . I wish you knew how much I needed you here I love you forever . My brother’s keeper

... Stacy

Jolene

Jolene truly lit up the world with her smile and everyone who met her felt her joy. She was a dear friend who was taken too soon. The world has not felt the same without her in it.

... Jen

My Daughter Lindsey Webb

You have been gone since 2012 and my heart aches today just as it did on September 9 th 2012. You big smile and big hugs is so burnt in my memories is miss them so much. Your laugh is what all your friends and brothers miss. It should never be in a parents life to lose their child it’s not the way it is supposed to be. I have lost you and your brother and I am empty and void I miss you so much my love 💕

... Mom Linda Lacy

Shannon Renee Dailey

March 15, 1991 – July 11, 2025

Shannon was a daughter, a sister, a niece and cousin, but most importantly, she was a loving mother.
She illuminated this world with an extraordinary heart overflowing with a boundless passion to spread love compassion and kindness. She cared for, uplifted and inspired countless individuals. Her thoughtful, selfless nature and generous spirit compelled her to go above and beyond to show support for those in need whether it be family, friends, acquaintances, or even total strangers; she was a blessing to so many.

Renowned for her remarkable empathy Shannon‘s profound impact was also felt through her sweet yet powerful voice, radiant smile and silly grins, contagious laughter, generous heart, her outgoing personality and a goofy sense of humor. While she was quite sensitive, she was also confident, fearless and strong willed.

Shannon‘s hobbies included her love for reading books and scripture, but she was also an exceptionally creative and talented young woman. She was well known for her heartfelt letters and notes of encouragement to uplift others, elaborately decorated cards and thoughtful, handmade gifts that symbolized her love and appreciation for others; if you got one it was because she loved you. Her creative expression knew no bounds, from her vibrant artwork, which includes drawings paintings and unique crafts to her love of decorating for special occasions or just to brighten her surroundings.

While she embraced her individuality, Shannon’s bold and unique style and confidence inspired those around her to embrace their own uniqueness.

Aside from her glowing beauty inside and out, she was exceptionally intelligent and could carry her own in pretty much any conversation; I learned a lot from her.

Among her many talents, she possessed a genuine love and appreciation for nature and remarkable skills in the garden; she had a magical green thumb and an incredible love for all critters and animals that astounded everyone.

Shannon was a very spiritual person with a strong belief in God. Although she faced challenges throughout her life, she was genuine and loyal, her heart was always in the right place and she tried to do the right thing when it counted.

While she is truly a shining example of kindness, empathy, and generosity, above all else, she was a devoted and loving mother to her beautiful son Bentley. Seeing them together was proof of an undeniably strong and unbreakable bond that has no end; they loved each other wholeheartedly and I know he loves and misses her very much.

We love and miss you more than you could ever imagine, Shannon. 😔💔

... Michelle

Nathan Goldsmith

You left us way too soon. It’s still very raw for me. Please know you were loved by all of your family.
We won’t forget you, ever. Life is so much different now and not in a better way. I love you my son and miss you so much.
My heart hurts like nothing I have felt before. My wish is that your pain is gone and you are in a better place
Love you to the moon and back and back again.
Mom xoxo

... Lynn

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

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