09.30.20 | Wellness and Missions
International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31)
Public Health Objective:
International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31 each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of a drug overdose. International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that overdose death is preventable. Thousands of people die each year from drug overdose, and they come from all walks of life (www.overdoseday.com).
Ministry Ideas:
- Use www.overdoseday.com for ideas, resources, and merchandise (such as wristbands).
- Purchase wristbands/lanyards/badges to wear to show solidarity and advocacy.
- Share Fact Sheet Links from www.overdoseday.com media/resources on social media/website/announce during worship prior to day.
- Maybe post a tribute online to remember someone who died/or was injured because of overdose; www.overdoseday.com will publish these on website
- Contact local drug treatment center/s in community and explore how to support their mission.
- Invite addiction professionals to do an awareness brief education during worship or other ministry events to share risk factors/signs/symptoms.
- Youth Ministry: Sponsor program and invite teens/emerging adults who are in recovery and may have overdose histories. Provide sharing and opportunities for youth to talk/ask questions.
- Sponsor a Narcan certification treats narcotic overdose in an emergency.
- Invite a recovering opioid abuser and/or family member to share their experience with overdose and recommendations from their experience (can contact local public health departments for referrals and/or Narcotics Anonymous to see if there is a recovery person; part of drug recovery is providing service to share one’s experience, courage and offer hope to others).
Media:
- Time to Remember. Time to Act. (People who have been affected by drug use/overdose share)
Social Media:
- Post the www.overdoseday.com videos and share local resources for Narcan certification, 12-Step Meetings, Opioid and drug addiction treatment resources, National Alliance for Mental Illness (for family support).