This year’s International Overdose Awareness Day will be held worldwide on Friday, August 31st, 2018. Originating in Melbourne, Australia in 2001, International Overdose Awareness Day is a global campaign that aims to raise awareness of overdoses and reduce the stigma of drug- and alcohol-related death. It also offers a platform to stimulate discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy. In 2017, almost 500 events were held worldwide, and 2018 plans show that even more events will be taking place to raise awareness and break stigmas.
According to the official website of International Overdose Awareness Day, the goals of the global campaign are:
- To provide an opportunity for people to publicly mourn loved ones in a safe environment, some for the first time without feeling guilt or shame.
- To include the greatest number of people in International Overdose Awareness Day events and encourage non-denominational involvement.
- To give community members information about the issue of fatal and non-fatal overdose.
- To send a strong message to current and former people who use drugs that they are valued.
- To stimulate discussion about overdose prevention and drug policy.
- To provide basic information on the range of support services that are available.
- To prevent and reduce drug-related harm by supporting evidence-based policy and practice.
- To inform people around the world about the risk of overdose.
Here in Maryland, there are currently fourteen planned events for International Overdose Awareness Day, with potential for more on the way. Events are planned in Baltimore, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Frederick County and other areas. For a listing of all 14 events including event and contact details, visit the official website here: https://www.overdoseday.com/usa/us-md/. The website also lists all worldwide activities and breaks the United States into the activities listed in each state.
If you or someone you know needs help for addiction or dual diagnosis issues, please give us a call. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center offers the most comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction treatment in the Mid-Atlantic area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or your loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (410) 773-0500 or email our team at Contact us today. For more information on all of our drug addiction, alcohol addiction and co-occurring disorder services and recovery resources, please visit our website at www.marylandaddictionrecovery.com.
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