International Overdose Awareness Day – August 31st

What is International Overdose Awareness Day?

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed annually on August 31st. This global event aims to raise awareness about overdose, reduce the stigma associated with drug-related deaths, and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends. The day also serves as a reminder that overdose deaths are preventable and encourages communities to take action to prevent these tragedies.

The theme for 2024 is “Together we can,” highlighting the power of community in addressing this critical issue. Activities on this day often include memorials, educational events, and advocacy efforts to promote evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policies.

Statistics in Massachusetts:

• In 2023, there were 2,125 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths.
• The most rural areas of Massachusetts recorded the highest opioid-related overdose death rate at 35.6 per 100,000 residents.
• In the first three months of 2024, there were 507 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths, showing a 9% drop compared to the same period in 2023.
• The rate of opioid-related overdose deaths among white non-Hispanic men declined by 16% from 48.2 per 100,000 in 2022 to 40.4 in 2023.
• Black non-Hispanic residents continue to be disproportionately impacted, with the rate of opioid-related overdose deaths increasing from 80 per 100,000 in 2022 to 84.6 in 2023.

Overdose awareness is crucial for several reasons:

1. Saving Lives: By raising awareness about the signs of overdose and the availability of life-saving interventions like naloxone, we can prevent deaths and reduce the number of non-fatal overdoses.
2. Reducing Stigma: Overdose awareness helps to break down the stigma associated with drug use and addiction. This can encourage more people to seek help and support without fear of judgment.
3. Educating Communities: Awareness campaigns provide valuable information about the risks of drug use, the dangers of mixing substances, and the impact of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
4. Supporting Families and Friends: Acknowledging the grief and loss experienced by families and friends of overdose victims is an important aspect of overdose awareness. It helps create a supportive community for those affected.
5. Promoting Policy Change: Increased awareness can lead to better policies and programs aimed at preventing overdoses and supporting those with substance use disorders

How to recognize the signs of an overdose:

• Loss of Consciousness: The person may be unresponsive or unable to wake up.
• Breathing Problems: Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing, or no breathing at all.
• Pinpoint Pupils: Very small, constricted pupils, especially in opioid overdoses.
• Choking or Gurgling Sounds: These sounds, sometimes called the “death rattle,” can indicate respiratory distress.
• Blue or Purple Lips and Fingertips: This can be a sign of oxygen deprivation.
• Limp Body: The person may be very limp and unable to move.
• Pale or Clammy Skin: Skin may appear pale, clammy, or feel cold to the touch.
• Slow or Erratic Pulse: The heartbeat may be slow, erratic, or absent.
• Vomiting: The person may vomit, which can be dangerous if they are unconscious.

Naloxone (Narcan): What is it and why is it important to carry it?

• Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. It works by quickly binding to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking the effects of opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers, and restoring normal breathing within minutes.
• Narcan saves lives. It can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose, preventing death or severe brain damage due to lack of oxygen.

Narcan demonstration:

https://youtu.be/m1bPvMgmeeo?si=MXMu5jpI_fYK5Fhm