Globally, there is an estimated minimum of 190,900 premature deaths caused by drugs (range: 115,900 to 230,100). It is estimated that there were more than 70,000 deaths caused by to drug overdose in European Union countries in the first decade of the 21st Century. Opioids account for the majority of drug-related deaths and in most cases such deaths are avoidable.
Local communities around the world are coming together every year at the end of August to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose.
Observed on the 31st of August every year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.
People and communities came together to raise awareness of one of the world’s most urgent public health crises – one that, unfortunately, is only getting worse.
In 2018, there were 747 IOAD events of all kinds, held in 38 countries.
A full list of the IOAD 2019 events currently planned around the world can be found at: https://www.overdoseday.com/activities-2019/
International Overdose Awareness Day is convened by Penington Institute, an Australian not-for-profit.
