Several counties in New York State within the HEALing Communities Study are commemorating International Overdose Awareness Day with events on August 31st. Learn more, share, and attend.
International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized every year on August 31st, and is an important way to draw attention to both the individuals who are lost to overdose and their families and to address and end the stigma of drug-related deaths as well as share that these deaths are entirely preventable.
More about the day from the site:
"International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on 31 August 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 died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that overdose death is preventable."
The work of The HEALing Communities Study (HCS) is directly involved in efforts to prevent overdose in many ways, including a campaign to fast-track Naloxone, and a new campaign to reduce stigma and increase awareness of the life-saving availability of medication as treatment for opioid use disorder.
The HCS is currently launched in six counties throughout New York state, and many are commemorating the day with events. We invite the SIG community to explore these events and share them widely with your networks. Of HCS and the day, HEALing Communities Study Project Director Dr. Robin Kerner says,
"Those of us who have the privilege of working on the HEALing Communities Study (HCS) are aware of the impact of opioid overdose and stigma every day. Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to meet many individuals across our state who have devoted their talents, passion and energy to combat the opioid epidemic and fight the stigma associated with opioid use and overdose death, as well as stigma against seeking and even providing treatment."
On behalf of those who have lost loved ones, we need to be sure that everyone knows that these deaths are preventable and that everyone can be a first responder to an opioid overdose and save a life. We at the HCS are proud to be a part of this effort on Overdose Awareness Day in our communities and around the world.
Columbia & Greene
August 31st, 7:00 am - 11:00 pm
Join Greener Pathways, Columbia County Pathway to Recovery, and Youth Voices Matter on Monday, August 31st for a virtual observance of International Overdose Awareness day.
Host: Greener Pathways and more
Virtual International Overdose Awareness Day Event
Putnam
August 31st, 7:00 pm
Join Putnam in observing International Overdose Awareness Day with a Virtual Memorial and Naloxone training to pay tribute to those who have lost their life to addiction, and to support their loved ones.
Host: Putnam Prevention Council and more
Virtual Memorial & Naloxone Training
Lewis
August 31st and for a few days following
Beginning August 31st, the Northern Regional Center for Independent Living will be observing Overdose Awareness Day with a lawn display honoring the lives that have been lost to OUD in the community.
Host: Northern Regional Center for Independent Living
Lawn Display: Two overdose awareness signs along with a purple flag for every life lost from 2014 to present
August 31st, 3:00 - 3:30 pm
Join Lewis County in observing International Overdose Awareness Day on Monday August 31st from 3 - 3pm at the Lowville Town Theater.
Host: Lowville Town Theater
September 11th, 6:30 pm
International Overdose Awareness Day: A Free Movie Night at the Black River Drive-In
Host: Alliance for Better Communities
Cayuga
Related: OpEd Article in The Citizen by Monika Salvage, Cayuga County Mental Health Department, Project Director for the HEALing Communities Study: People suffering from opioid use disorder deserve the best medical care
Ulster
Ulster County is hosting several events to commemorate the day and provide resources to save lives.
August 31, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
In honor of Overdose Awareness Day, the New Paltz Opioid Prevention and Response Team is hosting a community "pop-up" event at Hasbrouck Park. This event will include free narcan training and kits, medication disposal bags, community resource guides, and more!
Host: Town of New Paltz
International Overdose Awareness Day at Hasbrouck Park
August 31st, 11:00 - 11:30 am
The Institute for Family Health is hosting Overdose Responder Training throughout the day in both Spanish and English in obsercance of Overdose Awareness Day.
Host: The Institute for Family Health
Overdose Responder Training Webinar (Spanish)
August 31st, 1:00 - 1:30 pm
Host: The Institute for Family Health
Overdose Responder Training Webinar (English)
August 31st, 2:00 - 2:30 pm
Host: The Institute for Family Health
Overdose Responder Training Webinar (English)
August 31st, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Join Ellenville Regional Hospital's Rural Health Network on Monday for free individual Narcan trainings in honor of Overdose Awareness Day. Trainings will take place by the Gazebo at Rt 209 & Canal S.
Host: Ellenville Regional Hospital's Rural Health Network
Free Individual Narcan Trainings (by the Gazebo at Rt 209 & Canal St)
Past event:
August 27, 12 - 1:30 pm
Host: Hudson Valley Community Services
Overdose Awareness Day Virtual Event (Facebook Live)
-
Learn more about the HEALing Communities Study
-
Follow SIG's work by signing up for our monthly newsletter or following us on Twitter