International Overdose Awareness Day Virtual Campaign

According to the most recent estimates, 585,000 people died as a result of drug use in 2017. International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) provides an opportunity for us to raise awareness, reduce the stigma, and acknowledge the grief families and friends go through remembering those who either died or received a permanent injury as a result of a drug overdose. Drug Free America Foundation is supporting IOAD by collaborating with global partners to highlight different themes on the days leading up to IOAD on August 31.

Addiction does not discriminate; it does not see color, gender, or status. It is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and the impacts are felt by family and friends. The impact of an overdose on family and friends is devastating, we know this as our own staff have lost family members to this disease.

Addiction also affects the workplace.  Whether it involves a co-worker-friend, a working parent, a young adult starting his or her career, a seasoned midlife employee, a manager or a laborer, no one is immune from the effects of overdose. It is important to know that a company with a drug free workplace program and related assistance resources can educate employees on the harms of substance use and misuse, help reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorders, help a worker to access treatment earlier, aid a worker experiencing grief from the loss of a friend or loved one, and provide workplace support for a worker in recovery. 

We invite you to join us each day as we highlight different daily themes.  Prevention works, recovery is possible, and each one of us can be part of making a difference.

Go to the International Overdose Awareness Day Virtual Campaign