Tell us how you’ll mark International Overdose Awareness Day

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Today is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), a global event held annually to both raise awareness and reduce the stigma that still surrounds drug-related deaths. The day is designed to spread the message that overdose is preventable, and its organisers are urging people to create a virtual badge on Facebook or Twitter to show their support.

The day is also a way of acknowledging the ‘grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury’ as a result of overdose. Events are being held across the world, and supporters are also being urged to tweet using the hashtag #OverdoseAware2016 or host a Twitter chat on the subject. People can also post their own tributes to people who have died on the International Overdose Awareness Day website.

‘Today on International Overdose Awareness Day we remember lives that have been lost, but we also want to make the message very clear: death from overdose is preventable with naloxone,’ said executive director of social care and health at change, grow, live (CGL), Mark Moody.

‘Opioid overdose remains a major cause of death amongst drug users – on average two every day in England and Wales – so it is more important than ever to raise awareness of life saving medication such as naloxone,’ he said. ‘Training on how to use naloxone takes ten minutes and kits are readily available nationwide. We are proud to have been able to issue thousands of naloxone kits and train so many people to use them, and are committed to continuing to do so.’

For more information, a full list of events and help hosting a Twitter chat, visit www.overdoseday.com

Change your profile picture here: twibbon.com/Support/ioad-2016