About the campaign

Our vision is a world without overdose

Every August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) brings a global community together to take action on overdose. 

It is a global platform that provides tools, resources and a space for communities to connect and drive change. 

Through events – both in person and online – communities honour lives lost, educate their families, friends and peers and explore evidence-based overdose prevention solutions.

A large group of people at an International Overdose Awareness Day event

What drives us

The International Overdose Awareness Day campaign is guided by 6 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.

Learn more about our guiding principles.

How it began

2001
The first International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day begins as a BBQ remembrance event at The Salvation Army needle exchange in Melbourne, Australia. 

2012
Penington Institute takes the lead

Penington Institute takes the lead, transforming a local event into a global day of action. 

2014
Focus on overdose prevention

IOAD adopts overdose prevention as a core campaign ambition, alongside remembrance.  

2014 – today
Building momentum

Communities around the globe embrace the day, holding events, sharing stories, and building momentum for change. 

Today
A global family

Thousands of voices, 1,000+ events, 40+ countries. IOAD sparks open conversations about overdose driving life-saving action. 

Who is behind IOAD

Penington Institute team members discussing drug policy

Penington Institute

Penington Institute, a drug policy research non-profit, has been quietly leading International Overdose Awareness Day since 2012, transforming a single event into a global day of action.

From the start, Penington Institute championed local ownership, believing that lasting change happens when communities are empowered to find their own solutions.

This approach has allowed IOAD to grow and be focused on local priorities, driven by the voices of those most impacted.