International Overdose Awareness Day

What is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)?

Drug overdose is an international public health crisis. In our Massachusetts communities, progress is balanced with the need to ensure that progress is equitably felt. According to the MA Department of Public Health, there were 2,125 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths in 2023, 10% less than in 2022 (the largest decline in 13 years). Among all racial and ethnic groups, Black and American Indian men and women had the highest overdose death rates last year, and in terms of geographic regions, the most rural parts of the state continue to have the highest overdose death rate compared to urban, suburban, and less rural areas.

IOAD is a day to come together to remember and to act.

Observed annually on August 31, IOAD is a campaign to remember those who have died from overdose, acknowledge the grief of their loved ones, and end overdose, together. By gathering in community to end overdose, we begin to break down the stigma and honor the lives lost and the families left behind.

A day to remember.

There are both in-person and virtual spaces to remember and honor loved ones.

  • Overdose Awareness Day Flag Planting: August 29 – September 1, at Liberty Mall on the Boston Common (across from the State House). Hosted by the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services at the MA Department of Public Health, in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission and Boston Medical Center. Meet us at the MA Helpline table for educational resources.
  • MA events: Other in-person events in MA can be found on the IOAD website.
  • Virtual tribute wall: Post a tribute to a loved one on the IOAD website.

A day to act.

Part of IOAD is making sure you know how to keep yourself, and others, safer when using drugs. These resources can help you find Narcan® (naloxone) and other harm reduction materials, understand safer use practices, and prevent, recognize, and respond to overdose. Share them widely to educate others. Together we can end overdose.

  • You Can: Know how to prevent, recognize, and respond to overdose. The You Can website gives you the tools you need to reverse overdose and save lives. The short instructional videos will teach you what puts someone at risk of overdose death, the skills to prevent it (including rescue breathing), and where to get Narcan®. The website also features personal stories from real people that are intended to humanize people who use drugs, shift the narratives around drug use, and reduce stigma. Visit the You Can website for these powerful resources.
  • Safe Spot: If you plan to use drugs alone, call Safe Spot at 800-972-0590. You’ll be connected to a person with lived/living experience with overdose and drug use who will stay on the line with you and who can call emergency services or a designated response person if you experience an overdose. Visit the Safe Spot website to learn more about this lifesaving support.
  • Opioid Overdose Rescue trainings: The BeHere initiative offers frequent virtual and in-person overdose-related trainings. Find trainings on their website or contact the BeHere team to learn more.
  • Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) and Syringe Service programs: Get Narcan® and connect with a supportive harm reduction community. Find OEND programs using the Helpline search tool.