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PrintCannon County and local communities around the world are coming together on August 31st to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose.
Observed on the 31st of August every year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 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.
By holding an event this year, the people of Cannon County are connecting to a global movement for understanding, compassion, and change. In 2018, there were 747 IOAD events of all kinds, held in 38 countries. People and communities came together to raise awareness of one of the world's most urgent public health crises -- one that, unfortunately, is only getting worse.
According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime's most recent World Annual Drug Report, 585,000 people around the world died as a result of drug use in 2017.
International Overdoe Awareness Day is organized by Penington Institute. "By coming together to remember them, we stand together to say that more needs to be done to end overdose in our community."
"Overdose can affect anybody and one of the messages of this day is that the people who overdose are our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters - they are loved and they are missed."
Cannon County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition has put up flyers in local businesses and around the square to bring attention to this cause.
"We cannot effectively address this problem if we don't reduce the stigma, and the best way to do that is to stop shaming those with the disease of addiction."
On Monday, August 26th we are initiating a Facebook campaign to talk about this epidemic. Please visit our page (www.facebook.com/cannoncoalition) and tell the story of someone you know who is dealing with overdose addiction or who has lost the battle. We need to end the stigma associated with drug misuse and let our loved ones know there is hope.
