International Overdose Awareness Day: Remembering, Supporting, and Preventing
August 28, 2025
This Sunday, August 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). It is a time to remember the lives lost to overdose, support the families and friends left behind, and raise awareness that overdoses are preventable.
The Toll of Overdose
Overdose continues to be one of the most pressing public health issues. In 2023, more than 107,000 people in the United States lost their lives to a drug overdose. While this represents a slight decline from 2022, the number remains devastating. Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, continue to drive the majority of these losses. Stimulant-related overdoses are also rising, often occurring alongside opioids.
Each life taken by overdose represents a family member, friend, neighbor, or coworker. International Overdose Awareness Day is a reminder that behind every statistic is a human story, and that each of these lives matters.
Breaking Down Stigma
Too often, stigma surrounding substance use prevents people from seeking the help they need. Misunderstandings about addiction can lead to judgment, isolation, and discrimination. By promoting compassion and open dialogue, we can help reduce stigma and make it easier for people to reach out for support.
Recognizing addiction as a health condition, not a moral failing, is key to creating supportive communities. On this day, we are encouraged to listen, learn, and stand beside those impacted by substance use without judgment.
Prevention and Hope
The message of International Overdose Awareness Day is not only about remembrance—it is also about hope. Overdoses can be prevented. Knowing the warning signs, such as shallow breathing, unresponsiveness, or blue lips and fingertips, could save a life.
The wider availability of naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, is another lifesaving tool. Many states now make naloxone available without a prescription. Education, early intervention, and access to treatment and recovery services are equally critical in reducing overdose deaths and supporting those living with substance use disorders.
Taking Action
There are many ways to observe International Overdose Awareness Day:
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Take a moment of silence for those we’ve lost.
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Support families and friends who are grieving.
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Share resources to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
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Learn how to recognize an overdose and administer naloxone.
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Connect with local organizations that provide treatment, education, and support.
At Jefferson County Health Center, we are committed to supporting our community through compassion, education, and access to care. On International Overdose Awareness Day, and every day, we stand with those who have lost loved ones and those who are still struggling. Together, through awareness and action, we can save lives.
Sources
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International Overdose Awareness Day – OverdoseDay.com
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic
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National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) – International Overdose Awareness Day
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – IOAD News Release