August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)

This day serves as a global event to raise awareness about overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury due to drug overdose.

According to provisional data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2023. This is a slight decrease from the 111,029 estimated deaths in 2022, marking the first decline in U.S. overdose deaths since 2018.

The theme for IOAD 2024 is “Together We Can.” This theme emphasizes the power of community and collective action in combating overdose. It underscores the importance of standing together to support those affected by overdose, including people who use drugs, heartbroken friends and family members, activists, healthcare and harm reduction workers, and tireless advocates.

Dr. Lisa Zacher, Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS), Chief of Staff, shared her thoughts on the importance of this day:

“International Overdose Awareness Day is a critical moment for us to unite in our efforts to end overdose. At OVAHCS, we believe in the power of community and collective action. Together, we can support those affected by overdose, advocate for necessary policy reforms, and provide essential resources and education to prevent future tragedies. Let’s remember that no one should stand alone in this fight.”

On August 30, 2024, the Orlando VA Healthcare System will host several events to acknowledge and support IOAD, including an awareness walk, tabling events, an Orlando VA staff session for sharing stories related to overdose, and national training opportunities. We encourage everyone to participate in these activities and show their support.

EVENT DETAILS:

• Awareness Walk: 8:10-8:45 a.m. (Meet at the Flag Pole at Lake Nona)
• Tabling Events: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lake Nona, Lake Baldwin, Daytona, and Viera
• Overdose education and prevention resources
• Information about grief and support resources
• Prescribing of naloxone and other risk mitigation supplies (medication organizers, medication disposal resources, etc.)
• VA Specialty Service information
• Harm reduction education and resources
• Virtual Friday Reflection 12p.m. - 1p.m. for Orlando VA staff to share your overdose-related story

We invite you to commit to at least one of the following!

• Wear purple on August 30th to show support (email photos to VHAORLOverdoseReviewTeam@va.gov)
• Use IOAD email signatures or TEAMS backgrounds for the month of August 
• Use respectful language (e.g., “person diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder” versus  alcoholic)
• Ask about overdose history during clinical care and complete a Suicide Behavior and Overdose Report note in CPRS if an overdose occurred within the last 12 months, even if accidental!
• Utilize VA Academic Detailing educational materials for providers and patients for substance use disorder management and more! 
• Attend a 2-hour virtual training session by VA OMHSP-SUD
  International Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Month: Together We Can Support Veterans through Harm Reduction and Foster Recovery, Hope, and Healing from Substance Use Disorders
• 8/28/24 Session 1: Noon to 2:00 p.m. ET; Session 2: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
• 9/25/24 Session 3: 10:00 a.m. to Noon ET; Session 4: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET

For more information, please visit International Overdose Awareness Day, or the CDC’s Overdose Prevention page.

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To learn more about the facilities and services offered by the OVAHCS, please visit: VA Orlando Health Care | Veterans Affairs, subscribe to receive email updates by clicking here, like us on Facebook at: Orlando VA Healthcare System | Facebook, follow us on Instagram at: Orlando VA Healthcare System (@ovahcs) • Instagram photos and videos or on Twitter at: @OVAHCS / Twitter

MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of Public Affairs 
Orlando VA Health Care System 
407-840-6967 I vhaorlpublicaffairs@va.gov