August 31st

International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31st. The world’s annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. 

Stand Up, Mississippi invites you to join in helping create awareness about overdose prevention and support for families and friends who have lost loved ones to overdose. People lost due to overdose are not just statistics – they are people who are loved. The tragedy of overdose is far too frequent, but it can be prevented. Overdose prevention, education, and recognition are crucial in saving lives. 

Participation in International Overdose Awareness Day can range from:

  • Encouraging others to wear purple (the official color of addiction recovery) on August 31st
  • Handing out educational materials and local addiction resources at the places you live and work
  • Sharing flyers and/or graphics on social media with helpful information with those in your community
  • Or even inviting speakers and local government leaders to attend a rally in your community. These resources and more can be found at overdoseday.com

The rising concern of fentanyl: Even though we have seen an impressive drop in opioid prescriptions – counterfeit drugs are infiltrating our communities and becoming an overriding concern. Drug traffickers manufacture pills almost identical to Adderall, Oxycodone and Xanax.  However, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), these counterfeit pills may contain lethal amounts of fentanyl, heroin, or methamphetamine. Just two grams of fentanyl – about the size of a few grains of salt – can kill an unsuspecting user.

We need all the help we can to spread the message that one pill can be deadly, and the best way to prevent an overdose is to avoid taking any – unless prescribed by a licensed professional. The good news is that recovery is indeed possible, and if we work together, we absolutely can decrease the number of opioid overdoses and overdose-related deaths in our state. Stand Up, Mississippi is a statewide initiative of the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and focuses on ending the opioid crisis in our state and lessening the stigma associated with the disease of addiction. In partnership with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, our goal is to educate Mississippians about the dangers of using opioids and helps those who need substance abuse treatment. 

Time to Remember. Time to Act.

Campaign Resources

This is where you can find different resources to help inspire your event planning and help you make a real difference.