Share this page with your networks!

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) – held on August 31 every year – is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

Our theme for 2024 is “Together we can”, highlighting the power of our community when we all stand together.

#IOAD2024 #TogetherWeCan #EndOverdose

What we stand for

International Overdose Awareness Day is driven by the following principles...
Overdose can and must be prevented
Overdose prevention solutions exist – let’s use them.
Criminalizing drug use hasn’t worked. Compassionate alternatives must be pursued.
Policy and legislation must exist to protect individuals and communities, and ensure basic human rights and needs are met.
Everyone has a right to respectful and comprehensive health care.
Only a community-wide effort can end overdose.
Join our global movement today.

Ways to get involved

Host or join an event

Host or attend an International Overdose Awareness Day event to remember those lost to overdose, learn more about overdose, or advocate for change to end overdose.

Download and share resources

Download our campaign, advocacy and education resources and share messages about overdose and overdose prevention in your community or workplace today.

Remember with a tribute

Post a tribute to a loved one who has passed away from an overdose on the International Overdose Awareness Day tribute page. 

 

Buy merchandise

Buying and wearing merchandise is a great way to show your support and spread the messages of International Overdose Awareness Day.

Tributes from the community

Rochelle Nicole Castonguay "Shell"

You passed of a heroin overdose, dosed by some guy you thought you could trust. The police came to get you, no one went to jail, and no one gave you a proper obituary. My heart hurts for you after hearing about all this from your mom, and it still bothers me that you literally had no support. You deserved so much more than that. Given that you were a bright, brilliant woman with incredible leadership skills. I am happy to have finally got you to become my friend after a long time trying. Even if your nickname for me was “my annoying little cousin”. Haha. Damn Shell. I am sorry you never got the uplifting you deserved and I just wish you the absolute best life in the next life… If there is one. I’ll never forget you miss lady!

... A close family friend.

Tristan Corey Barker

You will forever be loved and missed by me and your boys! I just wish I would’ve known you even had a problem with fentanyl. My heart aches every single day and I won’t ever be the same. I miss you knee! I guess I’m glad you aren’t suffering here anymore . MUAH RIP. til I see you again . I love you forever and always

... Renee

Troy Edward Luke

You left us far too soon. You took what you thought was a pain pill and it was laced with fentanyl. Most of us get second chances when we make a mistake. Not with this stuff.
Your “best friend “ and your roommate watched you die for 8 hours. All they needed to do was call 911 or take you to the hospital before you were already dead. The medical examiner said Narcan would have saved your life. I’m doing my best to make people aware of the Good Samaritan Law and to carry Narcan kits. No family should feel this pain. We will never know what could have been. Forever 22. You are dearly loved and missed.
Love Momma 💖

... Lee-Ann (Momma Bear)

Lance L. Lawson

You are gone but not forgotten by our children and myself. Addiction made you become someone you wasn’t. You had a huge heart and would do anything for anyone. If only we could turn back time to spend more time with you as a family. I miss your laughter, jokes and the best back and feet massages after a long day of work. You enjoyed your love of being a over the road truck driver as well as riding your Harley in your free time. Time we can never get back but your memory will forever be in our hearts. Your lewegacy will continue to live on thru our children. A empty space has been left in my heart. Addiction took away a great man the live of my life if 35 years. May you continue to watch over us. LNA forever, my 1st and only love
I miss you and all of our good times will never be forgotten

... Angie

Deonnah Lorne Duffield

She was a wonderful daughter and mother and sister she put everyone else first she was so down to earth and it’s unfortunate that she took a pill that was laced with fentanyl she was in pain and her friend gave it to her and it killed her but she was a wonderful person it’s a shame that they put that in pills or even sell it that is one drug that is so deadly it takes a little please be aware of it but I miss her every day I love her so much not a day goes by you’re not thought of love you baby girl

... Marybeth Duffield

Kevin Knolton Jr

I’ve known Kevin since he was a baby.
He did what boys do as he got older more bold or silly upstairs. I think he was 14 just got my motor installed on my 71 442 conv going for a ride I had to grab wallet I come out little blond head pop over dashboard well he decided he wasn’t waiting.
Kevin shine bright as you made people smile and shine bright

... Scott

#IOAD. Time to Remember. Time to Act.

Overdose affects everyone. From grieving families to spontaneous first responders, the impacts of overdose are far-reaching and fall indiscriminately.

Sign up to the International Overdose Awareness Day newsletter and become part of the global movement to end overdose.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.