You Belong at Overdose Awareness Day
BY Luke Schmaltz, Editor, VOICES Newsletter
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is just around the corner, so mark your calendars for August 31st. This worldwide event is observed by the friends, families and loved ones of individuals who have been lost to drug overdose. If you live in Massachusetts, you can find an event near you on the SADOD event finder page.
A Brief History
IOAD is the largest annual campaign directed at ending drug overdose. It was first observed in St. Kilda, Melbourne, Australia, in 2001. The aim of the event is to spread awareness about the drivers of substance-use disorder (SUD) while commemorating those who have been lost. One of the defining characteristics of this 20-plus year institution is the importance of avoiding stigma. This allows the bereaved to celebrate the lives of their loved ones in an environment free from judgment or scrutiny.
A Tool for Coping with Grief
The grief experienced by those who have lost someone to SUD can be intense, long lasting and life changing. IOAD addresses this head-on by acknowledging that grief and providing a public forum for mourning in a safe, non-denominational environment. These events can stimulate discussion between people who share similar tragedies while broadcasting the latest policies and practices for harm reduction and overdose prevention. These events are also ideal places for the bereaved to discover support resources in their area for coping with the emotional burden of their circumstances.
Additionally, the Honoring The Many website provides a tribute page where visitors can post a story which remembers a person who has lost their life as a result of SUD. The exercise of writing out one’s feelings of grief over a deceased loved one can be an important, therapeutic step in the grieving process.
Locations and Activities
The widespread observance of IOAD offers a wealth of opportunities to participate. By going to the event-finder page on the SADOD website, you can locate an event near you. Thus far, over 27 gatherings are listed in locations across Massachusetts in places such as Lowell, Marshfield, Braintree, Worcester, Holyoke, across the City of Boston and many more. IOAD events can vary depending on the organizations or individuals hosting them. Some may offer keynote speakers, memorial services, and cookouts while others may feature tree-plantings, open mic sessions, butterfly releases, or educational presentations. The best way to know what to expect from each unique event is to visit the IOAD Finder page on the SADOD website.