International Overdose Awareness Day
Each year we lose thousands of people from drug overdose globally. Some survive but suffer a permanent injury, with devastating impact to their families and friends. Statistics for the 2020 calendar year show that the situation has become even more critical since the current pandemic began.
Tuesday, August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. International Overdose Awareness Day seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.
“Addiction and overdose can affect anyone. Those who battle the disease of addiction and have died of an overdose are our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters – they are loved and they are missed,” said Jeff Cooper, Montgomery County Health Commissioner.
“With support, understanding, and compassion of family members, loved ones, and members of the community, those who face addiction can find the help they need. There is hope – and our community is committed to providing help, especially after these past few years of difficulty in the region,” said Helen Jones-Kelley, Executive Director of Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services.
The Community Overdose Action Team (COAT) is committed to taking action to save lives. COAT is encouraging Dayton and Montgomery County residents to pause for a moment of silence at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, August 31, to remember those who have lost their lives to drug overdose and addiction. To recognize the day, Montgomery County and the City of Dayton will both be issuing proclamations and areas of the community will be illuminated in purple to honor those who have passed away from overdose.
If someone is experiencing stress or anxiety, they can call the Miami Valley Warmline at (937) 528-7777, Monday to Friday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, for free and confidential mental and behavioral health peer support services. For access to immediate help 24/7, the public can call Samaritan Behavioral Health Crisis Care at (937) 224-4646 for linkage to treatment and care options.
GetHelpNow Montgomery County is a free, easy-to-use app that instantly connects residents with local service providers for substance use disorders, mental health illnesses, and more. Simply use the interactive directory to find a provider near you. This app also places support in areas like housing, COVID19, and workforce right at your fingertips! For more information, please visit: https://ghn.mcadamhs.org/