Overdose is the leading cause of death for people ages 18 to 45 in America. Today, August 31, 2022, is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). It is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose. The day honors those who have died from an overdose and offers an opportunity to reflect on the grief of those left behind while bringing attention to issues surrounding substance use disorders (SUDs) and overdose deaths. IOAD allows people to grieve as they choose without fear of stigmatization.

Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Secretary Jennifer Smith offered a video message, including resources to help those with an SUD. Those resources include:

General Resources:

• Get Naloxone
• Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Just Five: Substance Use Disorder Education and Prevention
• Pennsylvania-Specific Resources

IOAD Resources:

• PAStop: International Overdose Awareness Day Resources
• DEA: International Overdose Awareness Day
• CDC: Stop Overdose Website
• International Overdose Awareness Day: SAMHSA

Equity-Related Resources:

• CDC: Cocaine and Psychostimulant-involved Overdose Deaths Disproportionately Affect Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
• CDC: Health Equity and Drug Overdoses