By Wayne Allen
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is recognized on Aug. 31 each year. This year the Scioto County Drug Action Team is planning an event to raise awareness of the issue.
Lisa Roberts, Spokeswoman for the Scioto County Drug Action Team, said International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event each year, and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. She said the day is also intended to acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of a drug overdose.
According to www.overdoseday.com, Drug overdose was responsible for 41,340 deaths in the US in 2011. US overdose deaths have increased for 12 successive years. In 2011, and for the fourth year in a row, the number of US citizens whose deaths were drug-related exceeded the number of fatalities in road traffic accidents (33,561). Almost five people per hour died of overdose in the US in 2011.
“Scioto County has long held the highest accidental fatal overdose rate in the state at more than double the state average. This year, the Scioto County Drug Action Team has decided to hold an IOAD Event in collaboration with the Fastop Market, 1735 8th Street, Portsmouth on Monday, Aug. 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” Roberts said. “Portsmouth City Health Dept. will be distributing Naloxone kits, and all treatment providers and applicable social agencies are invited to set up a booth adjacent the store to target citizens who would like to learn more about prevention and treatment and other available services.”
For more information about International Overdose Awareness Day visit, www.overdoseday.com.
Wayne Allen can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 1933 or on Twitter @WayneallenPDT
