Today, August 31, 2022, is Overdose Awareness Day, and we pause to honor those who have died from an overdose and to reflect on the grief. Many continue to live with the stigma associated with having a close family or friend die from an overdose. However, overdose is the leading cause of death for 18 to 45-year-olds in America today. More than 100,000 people died in the United States in the 12 months ending in March 2022.
Many of us know one of the 100,000, and some of us know more than one. Among this group are our children, siblings, parents, grandparents, cousins, non-blood relatives, and friends. Today's observance is a time to share grief without stigma, bring attention to substance use disorder, and come together as a community without fear of stigmatization.
For this year's Overdose Awareness Day, the Coalition attended a Celebration of Life hosted by BAART Port Angeles and Clallam County Health and Human Services. Throughout the day, the Coalition provided 32 individuals and families free lockable bags to safely store substances like prescription opioids. We are honored to be a part of raising awareness - supporting a day of remembrance and a day of action.
For more information on what you can do to prevent opioid misuse, visit, It Starts With One and SAMHSA, and to learn more about local overdose prevention, connect with the team at Health & Human Services.
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