Communities in Garrett County and around the world are coming together on Thursday, August 31, 2023, to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose.
Observed on August 31 every year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create a better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.
Specifically, at the 2023 Garrett County International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) Event, local organizations have teamed up to:
- prevent and end overdose
- remember without stigma those who have died as a direct result of overdose, or died a death related to their substance use
- acknowledge the grief of family and friends that are left behind
- honor workers in healthcare, support services, and first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesavers
Garrett County Emergency Services, Maryland Coalition of Families, Healing Garrett, AddicitionHappens.org, Garrett County Drug-Free Communities Coalition, Out Loud Recovery, Stand Together: Garrett County Against Drug Abuse, Garrett County Health Department, Dove Center, and several important community volunteers remind you that your presence matters and has a meaningful impact.
Please consider joining the community on Thursday, August 31st from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Glades Town Park Pavilion, 10 Spruce Lane, Oakland, MD 21550. Remember to wear your purple!
By holding an event this year, the people of Garett County are joining themselves in a global movement for understanding, compassion, and change. Global overdose rates have skyrocketed in the last 25 years. In 2020, an estimated 284 million people worldwide had used a drug in the past 12 months, a 26 percent increase from 2010.
The Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center reported in Garrett County, for the 12 months ending in March 2023, there were 8 fatal overdoses (all substances). That figure represents a 60% increase from 2022.
“By coming together to remember them, we stand together to say that more needs to be done to end overdose in our community,” said Jaimie Bell, Family Peer Support Specialist, Substance Use Disorder Team with the Maryland Coalition of Families.
“We encourage members of the community with lived experience to come to our event and to stand in solidarity with the men and women who have been personally affected by overdose.”
International Overdose Awareness Day is convened by Penington Institute, an Australian not-for-profit. This year for the first time, they have announced a campaign theme: Recognizing those who go unseen.
A full list of the IOAD 2023 events currently planned around the world can be found at: https://www.overdoseday.com/events-2023/.
More information on the event in Garrett County can be found https://www.facebook.com/events/595040506075324/ or on the attached flyer.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Myers – sarah@sarahmyersmarketing.com 301-616-7152
