July 26, 2019 – The Treasure Coast Opioid Taskforce is conducting a campaign to promote Overdose Awareness Day on August 15, from noon to 2 pm, at New Horizons of the Treasure Coast conference room, 4500 W. Midway Road, Fort Pierce.
Held in August every year, the aim of Overdose Awareness Day is to raise awareness, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury because of drug overdose, and stimulate discussion about overdose prevention and drug policy.
Convened by the Australian charity, Penington Institute, International Overdose Awareness Day is held on August 31 and provides an opportunity to hold rallies, memorial services, candlelight vigils, as well as education and training campaigns in towns and cities across the world.
“If people want to help raise awareness and fight the stigma surrounding overdose they can attend our event at New Horizons on August 15, where we will provide educational materials and refreshments,” says Dr. Agnieszka Marshall, a psychologist at Tykes and Teens and an opioid taskforce member.
“People on the Treasure Coast can also wear a purple ribbon to support International Overdose Awareness Day which will be provided at the August 15th event. They can also show their support and use the hashtags #OverdoseAware and #EndOverdose on social media to boost awareness.”
Overdose Awareness Day is also an opportunity to consider whether current overdose and substance use strategies are working.
“Have a conversation with your friends and family and spread the message that overdose is a problem affecting every community, including the Treasure Coast. No community is immune to overdose, it is time to change the way we look at drug-related deaths in our community.” says Deborah Dreher, Chief Clinical Officer for New Horizons.
“We need to treat drug-related harm as a health issue and invest in proven practices that can save lives; no community including the Treasure Coast should be left behind.”
WHAT: Overdose Awareness Day
WHEN: August 15, noon to 2pm
WHERE: New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, 4500 W Midway Road, Fort Pierce, FL
To find out more about Overdose Awareness Day, including how to purchase wristbands and badges, visit: www.overdoseday.com.
