Tucson

“Recognizing those people who go unseen,” we honor the people whose lives have been altered by overdose. They are the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion; or spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver.

We would like to say to these people: #weseeyou. Theirs are the voices we should amplify, and their strength and experience should be held up as examples to us all. Too often, however, they are left to bear the burden of this crisis alone and in silence.

The official International Overdose Day is on August 31st every year. However, the Enlightening Hope Project and HOPE Inc have joined forces to collaboratively work together to host this year’s event scheduled for Sunday, August 27th. Let’s acknowledge and support the people in our communities who go unrecognized by raising awareness of the hidden impacts of overdose, promoting education on overdose response, and reaching out to politicians to make lasting, lifesaving policy changes.