International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31st each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related death. The day acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends who have lost loved ones. Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable and that overdose can affect anyone.

On August 31, wear a silver pin to show your support for overdose awareness and prevention. You can get a pin from your Community Engagement Coordinator, your health centre or a nearby Friendship Centre.

On August 31st, FNHA hosted a 15-minute Facebook Live event at 11 a.m. to remember and honour those we have lost to overdose. Watch the recording here:

You can learn about overdose prevention and how harm reduction can save lives at www.fnha.ca/overdose