International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is the world’s largest annual campaign that aims to end overdose by spreading awareness about the tragedy of drug overdose death. This year, on August 31, 2023, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) staff supported community events in Manistee, Mecosta, and Wexford Counties. 

The IOAD campaign started in 2001, in Australia, with events being held to raise awareness and remember those who have been lost to drug overdose. Now, IOAD is the largest annual campaign to end overdose and to hold a stigma-free remembrance of those who have died and acknowledges the grief of family and friends. Events not only provide awareness and an opportunity to grieve, but also provides education, information on available services, stimulates discussion, and highlights the risk of overdose. 

DHD#10 staff were joined by Centra Wellness in Manistee, the Mecosta Osceola Substance Awareness Coalition (MOSAC), and Catholic Human Services and Harm Reduction Michigan in Wexford County. DHD#10 staff provided Safe Use Kits, Naloxone, Sharps Disposal containers, and HIV and Hepatitis C testing at each location. 

To learn more about IOAD, please visit: https://www.overdoseday.com/about-the-campaign/.  

For more information about DHD#10’s Substance Use Prevention resources, please visit: https://www.dhd10.org/parents-families/substance-use-prevention/.