August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day

Jul 19, 2022

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.

The campaign raises awareness of overdose, which is one of the world’s worst public health crises, and stimulates action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy. The campaign acknowledges the profound grief felt by families and friends whose loved ones have died or suffered permanent injury from a drug overdose.

More Information:

Do you recognize the signs and symptoms of overdose? What is the impact of drug use and overdose on family, friends and those experiencing it?

Fact Sheet – Alcohol
Fact Sheet – Depressants
Fact Sheet – Opioids
Fact Sheet – Psychoactive Substances
Fact Sheet – Stimulants
Fact Sheet – Crystal Methamphetamine

Visit https://www.overdoseday.com/ for more information.

Additional Resources:

Nalaxone: The Take Home Naloxone Program in Nova Scotia offers training and injectable naloxone kits free of charge to people who are at risk of an overdose
and to family, friends, and those who are most likely to witness and respond to an opioid overdose. Kits can also be obtained free of charge and without a health card from over 300 locations across the province.

This includes 282 community pharmacies, Nova Scotia Health Authority Programs, and several Community Harm Reduction Agencies.

Learn more about Naloxone

A full list of all locations across NS can be found at this HERE

Overcoming Stigma Through Language: A Primer