Every August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) unites a global community to take action on overdose.
IOAD is a global platform that provides tools, resources and a space for communities to connect. Through events – both in person and online – communities honour lives lost, educate their families, friends and peers and explore evidence-based overdose prevention solutions.
How it began
International Overdose Awareness Day started in 2001 as a BBQ and social gathering of local people impacted by overdose at The Salvation Army needle exchange in Melbourne, Australia.
Since 2012, Penington Institute has been quietly leading International Overdose Awareness Day, transforming a single event into a global day of action. From the start, Penington Institute championed local ownership, believing that lasting change happens when communities are empowered to find their own solutions. This approach has allowed the movement to grow organically, driven by the voices of those most impacted.
Now, thousands of voices at more than 1,000 events in over 40 countries come together every year to take action on overdose. IOAD confronts the taboo subject of overdose with open and honest discussion, encouraging education, healing and life-saving action.
