The World Remembers on International Overdose Awareness Day - EVENT
On August 31, 2021 cities around the globe will take the time to remember all those we have loved and lost to the overdose and drug poisoning crisis.
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) was initiated in 2001 by Sally J Finn of The Salvation Army in St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia. Since 2001, many organizations both government and non-government have held events to raise awareness and honor all those who have been lost to drug harms. In 2020, over 780 cities around the world participated in IOAD events.
With over 21,000+ Canadians lost to this crisis since 2016, countless families have been left behind to grieve their loved ones. On August 31st, Moms Stop the Harm advocates will be organizing events across Canada. The purpose of these events is to raise awareness of overdoses, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends. International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of these deaths is preventable.
Are you interested in participating?
Here are some activities and events you can check out!
Participate in IOAD by wearing purple or by participating in the Moms Stop the Harm “Purple Ribbon Campaign”. Simply tie a purple ribbon of remembrance for your loved one and post a photo on the Facebook group “Purple Ribbon of Awareness”.
You can check out the list of IOAD events posted on the Moms Stop the Harm Public Facebook page. Activities include memorial walks, public naloxone training, live music and Candlelight Vigils of Remembrance.
Visit the International Overdose Awareness Day website which lists events taking place around the globe.
Moms Stop the Harm invites you to light a candle in remembrance of your loved one and attend the Facebook Live Streamed Candlelight Vigil taking place on Tuesday, August 31st at 6:30 pm (PDT). This is an evening of words and songs of remembrance. You can connect with the event by going to our Public Moms Stop the Harm Facebook page.
Join Moms Stop the Harm as we honor all those we have lost to overdose.
It is a time to remember and a time to act.