Article and photos by Staff Writer Tracy Harris
People in the U.S. observe National Recovery Month during September but on Aug. 31, people across the world observe International Overdose Awareness Day, or #IOAD.
The Marshall County Prevention Coalition held their second annual #IOAD event on Saturday, Aug. 31, at the VFW Post 5109 in Lewisburg from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The activities for the day included a silent auction, two recovery speakers, food, a candlelight vigil, and the release of purple balloons.
crowd preparing for balloon release
The goals of International Overdose Awareness Day 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 events and encourage non-denominational involvement.
- To provide information about 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 available support services.
- To prevent and reduce drug-related harm by supporting evidence-based policy.
- To inform people about the risk of overdose.
Dustin Ritchie (standing) Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist Region 5 South and Dylan Griffin (seated) Region 5 South Recovery Coordinator
International Overdose Awareness Day began in 2001 at The Salvation Army in St Kilda, Melbourne. Since then, many community members as well as government and non-government organizations have held events to raise awareness and commemorate those lost to drug overdose.
Each year, there are more than 1,000 events held around the world, including right here in Marshall County.
