International Overdose Awareness Day — August 31
Every year on August 31, people around the world come together to mark International Overdose Awareness Day — a day dedicated to honouring the lives lost to overdose, supporting those who are grieving, and raising awareness about the urgent need for prevention, compassion, and connection.
Overdose does not discriminate. It impacts individuals, families, and entire communities. Behind every statistic is a name, a face, and a story — someone’s child, sibling, partner, or friend. Today, we pause to remember, reflect, and act.
Breaking the Stigma
Stigma around substance use often prevents people from seeking help and isolates families coping with loss. International Overdose Awareness Day is a call to replace shame with understanding and judgment with compassion. When we create safe, supportive spaces, we open doors to recovery, healing, and hope.
Why Awareness Matters
Education saves lives — knowing the signs of overdose and how to respond can make a critical difference.
Harm reduction saves lives — resources like naloxone, safe consumption sites, and community support are proven, effective tools.
Community saves lives — together, we can build networks of care where no one struggles alone.
How You Can Help
Learn the signs of overdose and how to respond.
Carry naloxone if you can — it can reverse an opioid overdose.
Support local organizations working in harm reduction and recovery.
Listen and share stories to break the silence and stigma.
You Are Not Alone
If you or someone you love is struggling, please know that there is help, there is hope, and there is a community ready to support you.
📍 Canadian Resources:
Crisis Line: 1-800-784-2433
Naloxone information: www.towardtheheart.com/naloxone
Suicide Support: www.talksuicide.ca
Let’s stand together to remember those we’ve lost, support those who are struggling, and create a future where no life is cut short by overdose. 💜