Monday August 31st, 2020 is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness about the prevention of overdose deaths as well as to reduce the stigma surrounding substance-related deaths. Organizations are coming together from all over the Mountain Plains Region to recognize this day and remember those who have lost their lives from overdose. Events include educational seminars on reducing stigma and preventative measures surrounding drug-related deaths, candlelight vigils, and chalk events to remember those who have lost their lives, and group meetings to support those who struggle with a substance use disorder.
In 2019, 70,980 Americans died from a drug-involved overdose.1 This is an overall increase from the 67,367 deaths in 2018, with a similar increase in the number of those deaths that involved an opioid.2 Opioids, including prescription medications, heroin, and other synthetic narcotics have claimed 46,802 lives in 2018 and 50,042 lives in 2019.1,3
To find events in your state/county please visit the International Overdose Day website.
1 https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2020-07-16-cdc-drug-overdose-deaths-46-2019
2 https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/statedeaths.html
3 https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
Otero County Health Department: [email protected]
Monday August 31st, 2020 7:00 PM MT
Location: 601 Colorado Ave. La Junta CO.81050
We will have Southeast Health Group with Narcan and direction on how to use it, we will have a speaker, we will have free OD2A gear and over dose awareness bracelets, and we will release floating lanterns into the pond.
Substance Use 101 & Overdose Prevention
Hosted by the Jefferson County Substance Use Partnership
Monday, August 31, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM MT
Substance use is a significant concern in Jefferson County as rates of overdose and other harms associated with substance use continue to rise. Jefferson County Public Health, the Jeffco Substance Use Partnership and our partners are hard at work driving initiatives to address the crisis. One of the best ways to improve outcomes for substance use is a well-informed and engaged community. Join us to learn more about the scope of the crisis in Jeffco, where to go if you or a loved one needs treatment/support and how to recognize and respond to an overdose. **All attendees who complete the training will be eligible to receive a free OD prevention kit – Learn more by joining us at the training!
Night of Remembrance and Hope
Hosted by the Tri-County Overdose Prevention Partnership
Monday, August 31, 2020 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM MT
This event will showcase creative works submitted by individuals who have been impacted by substance misuse and overdose either through personal experience or that of a loved one.
Treat Addiction, Save Lives: Overdose Awareness Film Series "Ben is Back"
Hosted by North Colorado Overdose Awareness
Monday, August 31, 2020 7:00 PM MT
Location: Historic Park Theater, 130 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
Join us for a FREE film to honor lost loved ones and to educate ourselves on addiction and what we can do to support those who struggle with it.
You Matter Flag Display
Hosted by Aperture of Hope
August 24th, 2020 8:00 AM MT
Purple flag display in remembrance of those who have passed from substance in the tri counties (Pitkin, Eagle, Garfield) of the Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado between the years of 2017-2019. Fifty two flags will be displayed in five different locations throughout the valley. This is intended to be a visual display rather than a social gathering due to COVID-19.
Hosted by Grand Futures Prevention Coalition
August 31st, 2020 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM MT
Downtown Steamboat Courthouse, 522 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Monday, August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. Grand Futures will be hosting chalk events where all community members are invited to join us by honoring those who have experience or died by overdose.
August 31st, 2020 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM MT
Craig Chamber of Commerce & Moffat County Visitor Center, 775 Yampa Ave, Craig, CO 81625
Monday, August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. We will be hosting chalk events where all community members are invited to join us in honoring those who have experience or died by overdose.
Carol Keenan: [email protected]
Monday August 31st, 2020 6:30 PM MT
Location: Rose Park Shelter -21st W & Ave C Billings, MT
To bring awareness of drug overdoses and to remember those who have lost their lives to OD. Speakers, bagpipers, Tshirts, Photos of loved ones.
Monday August 31st, 2020 7:00 PM CT
This year, our event will be virtual. Please follow our Facebook page for details. We plan to have Overdose Awareness Day kits available in the days leading up to August 31st, International Overdose Awareness Day. The kits will include a memorial lantern and we hope to have participants share photos and videos of their tributes to people fighting substance use disorder and those we’ve lost to the disease.
Face it Together South Dakota and Emily's Hope
Monday August 31st, 2020 6:30 PM CST
Melissa is a volunteer for Addiction Policy Forum, Emily’s Hope and Face It TOGETHER. She is organizing a candlelight vigil to be held at a local church in Sioux Falls, SD. The Ransom Church, Freedom Ministries.
Monday August 31st, 2020 11:00 AM MT
Please join us for a virtual Naloxone Rescue Kit Training in support of International Overdose Awareness Day 2020. Registration is required to attend the virtual training. Must provide T-shirt size in the “Questions and Comments Box” to receive a free T-shirt in addition to a Free Utah Naloxone Rescue Kit. All information gathered is completely confidential.
USARA (Utah Support Advocates For Recovery Awareness)
Monday August 31st, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM MT
In 2018, we lost 67,367 people to drug overdose in the United States. We honor and remember those lost to overdose in our local communities as well as throughout the world on August 31st. Join us for a virtual event this year as we celebrate International Overdose Awareness Day
The event will feature:
