International Overdose Awareness Day is on Thursday, August 31st each year. It 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 met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. Wearing silver or purple on August 31st is encouraged. The silver badge or the purple wristband are symbols of awareness of overdose and its effects. Wearing these can signify the loss of someone cherished; or demonstrate support to those bearing a burden of grief.

The Opioid crisis has been in the news a lot across the nation this year and last. The opioid crisis alone now kills over 100 Americans a day. Opioids include oxycodone, morphine, codeine, heroin, fentanyl, methadone and opium. Because of this national crisis, we have decided to add posts about International Overdose Awareness Day to our other “2017 Special Days” posts.

For our clients using our Social Media Copilot, we have two posts about Overdose Awareness Day for your Facebook page. Due to the sensitivity of these posts, instead of automatically posting them, we are offering to schedule these two posts for you, on August 30th and 31st, if you decide to opt-in. Simply reply to us via email if you would like these posts added to your schedule for next week.

  

If you do not reply, we will assume you have passed on this opportunity. We are always looking for more ways to reach your community in ways that impact them most. Feel free to share with us any topics you may be interested in seeing as a Facebook post or two.

To learn more about International Overdose Awareness Day, visit https://www.overdoseday.com/resources/overdose-basics/.