Each loss leaves a void in families and communities, underscoring the urgency of addressing the crisis. A recent study among 29 states and the District of Columbia showed the percentage of overdose deaths involving counterfeit pills more than doubled from July 2019 to December 2021, and more than tripled in the Western United States. These pills are dangerous because they typically appear as pharmaceutical pills but often contain illegally made fentanyl and illegal benzodiazepines or other drugs, with or without people’s knowledge. Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), sometimes referred to as “opioid dependence” or “opioid addiction,” is a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress. OUD is a medical condition that can affect anyone – regardless of race, gender, income level, or social class.
The Food and Drug Administration approved two Naloxone products — an opioid overdose reversal medication — for over-the-counter use. And our new National Response Plan to address the deadly combination of fentanyl mixed with xylazine coordinates efforts across all of government to confront this dangerous emerging threat. Through the American Rescue Plan, we delivered more than $5 billion to strengthen and expand State and community mental health and substance use disorder services. We also addressed the mental health of frontline workers, like nurses, who are dealing with this crisis every day, by directing $103 million specifically to meet their needs. And my Bipartisan Safer Communities Act went even further — providing billions of dollars to improve mental health services for young people, including hiring and training more school mental health counselors so young people get the care they need. Every August, SAMHSA commemorates Overdose Awareness Week (August 27 to September 2, 2023) and International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31, 2023) to remember the individuals, families, and communities who have all been impacted by overdose.
In the analysis, more than 1 in 5 people who died of a drug overdose had a reported mental health disorder (MHD). The most frequently reported MHDs were depressive (13%), anxiety (9%), and bipolar (6%) disorders. Approximately one quarter of people who died with an MHD had at least one recent potential opportunity for intervention (e.g., an emergency department visit). Our efforts at SAMHSA are pursued through a shared collective vision and partnership with other federal, state, and community partners.
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International Overdose Awareness Day is a powerful tool in breaking down this stigma. It fosters open and honest conversations about addiction and overdose, providing a platform for sharing stories, raising awareness, and advocating for change. Studies show that naloxone may not always be offered when risk factors are present, such as taking higher doses of opioids, prescriptions for benzodiazepines in addition to opioids, or history of overdose. CDC’s naloxone resources for healthcare professionals are designed to provide an overview of naloxone and provide strategies that can be implemented in your practice. Let’s remember those we’ve lost, support those who are struggling and recommit ourselves to the fight against overdose.
- Harm Reduction – Evidence-based harm reduction strategies minimize negative consequences of drug use.
- According to the latest provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 110,000 lives were lost to overdose in the 12-months ending in March 2023, with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids as the main drivers of these deaths.
- Recovery Support – These strategies recognize that treatment alone may not be enough to support long-term recovery.
In addition to this toolkit, a campaign resources overview provides a list of materials available for download and print. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The theme for International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 2023 is, “Recognising those people does alcohol cause gallstones who go unseen”. International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose.
International Overdose Awareness Day
To learn more about treatment what is tusi drug made of options for yourself or a loved one, call us today at . As part of the world’s annual campaign to raise awareness about overdose, those who have died and to acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind the HSE National Social Inclusion Office hosted a live webinar on 31st August 2023. Click the link in our bio to learn how to stop overdose and save lives in your community.
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To help prevent fatal overdoses, health care and public health professionals can build upon efforts to identify and treat patients who have SUDs and other MHDs, such as integrated screening and treatment, and strengthened local harm reduction services, including naloxone distribution. As we recognize International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 2024, we reflect upon the impact overdose has had on our communities—remembering those we have lost and empowering each other to work together to prevent future overdoses. Decreasing stigma and other barriers to seeking and receiving care for all MHDs, including substance use disorders (SUDs), could save lives and improve mental health. To help prevent fatal overdoses, health care and public health professionals can build upon efforts to identify and treat patients who have SUDs and other MHDs, such as integrated screening and treatment and strengthened local harm reduction services, including naloxone distribution. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 27 through September 2, 2023, as Overdose Awareness Week. August 31st also marks Overdose Awareness Day, on which we honor and remember those who have lost their lives to the drug overdose epidemic.
We are also reminded that overdoses are not inevitable if we stand together to help those who need an outstretched hand. CDC created a suite of naloxone materials and tools to support your efforts to discuss naloxone with patients. These tools can help clinicians inform patients, families, and/or caregivers about the value of naloxone in a non-stigmatizing manner. This IOAD, we affirm that when we work together to heal and empower communities, we can save lives and end overdose. It’s important to remember that seeking help for addiction is a sign of strength,’ not weakness.
He expressed the need to expand mental health and substance use disorder services across the country, and spoke about President Biden and Vice President Harris’ tireless work to address this crisis since day one of this Administration. Dr. Gupta spoke about his experience as a physician treating patients with opioid use disorder and the President’s commitment to taking bold action to save lives in memory of those who have been lost to this crisis. During this week of recognition, the Biden-Harris Administration reaffirms our commitment to beating this epidemic — in memory of those we have lost and to protect the lives we can still save. Drug overdose deaths remain a public health crisis in the United States; 2022 marked the second consecutive year with over 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. Substance use disorders (SUDs) and other MHDs frequently occur together, which also increases the risk of overdose. Decreasing stigma and other barriers to seeking and receiving care for all MHDs, including SUDs, could save lives and improve mental health.
Statement from Secretary Becerra on International Overdose Awareness Day
Every year on August 31st, communities worldwide unite to observe International Overdose Awareness Day. It’s a time to dka breath smell remember the lives lost to drug overdose, support those affected by addiction, and raise awareness about this critical public health crisis. But it’s not just a day of sorrow; it’s a beacon of hope, shining a light on the importance of prevention, treatment, and harm reduction efforts. International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held annually on August 31st to raise awareness, reduce the stigma of a drug-related death, and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.
Include our sample content in email or print newsletters or other communications channels, including updates to staff, provider networks, associations, and community-based communications efforts. CDC released the 2022 CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain. CDC developed resources and trainings for healthcare professionals to assist with implementing the guidance in their practices. We continuously develop materials so please check back periodically to see what is new. Join us as an IOAD partner by using your voice and platforms to spread the message of ending overdose. This partner toolkit provides free resources for you to use, including key IOAD messages, social media content, and more.
As a part of my Unity Agenda, we passed a law making it easier for doctors to prescribe effective treatments, leading to an unprecedented and historic expansion that finally put help within reach for millions of Americans. SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes. Harm Reduction – Evidence-based harm reduction strategies minimize negative consequences of drug use. These activities further expand access to harm reduction interventions such as opioid overdose reversal medications and fentanyl and xylazine test strips and better integrate harm reduction into specialty and general medical care. Overdose is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives each year. In the United States alone, over 100,000 people died from drug overdose in the 12 months ending in March 2023, a staggering increase fueled primarily by the rise of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
