International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is annually observed on August 31 worldwide. The day is the world's most extensive annual campaign to end overdose, pay tribute to the ones who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. Every year, International Overdose Awareness Day is marked with a unique theme. Drug Menace: Australia Saw Five Deaths per Day From Drug Overdose and Other Narcotics-Induced Causes.

International Overdose Awareness Day 2023 Theme

The International Overdose Awareness Day 2023 theme is 'Recognizing those people who go unseen', which is about acknowledging people affected by overdose who might go unseen in the crisis. As International Overdose Awareness Day 2023 nears, here's all you need to know about the history and significance of the day.

International Overdose Awareness Day 2023 Date

International Overdose Awareness Day 2023 will be celebrated on Thursday, August 31. Angus Cloud Dies at 25: Late Euphoria Star's Mom Made a 911 Call Prior to His Death About a 'Possible Drug Overdose' - Reports.

International Overdose Awareness Day History

International Overdose Awareness Day was initiated in 2001 by Sally J. Finn at The Salvation Army in St Kilda, Melbourne. Many communities, government and non-government organizations have held events to raise awareness and commemorate those lost to drug overdose. Since 2012, International Overdose Awareness Day has been convened by the not-for-profit Australian public health organization Penington Institute.

International Overdose Awareness Day Significance

The International Overdose Awareness Day is important as it raises awareness of overdose, one of the world's worst public health crises. The day spreads the message about the tragedy of drug overdose death and that drug overdose is preventable. The day's main aim is to provide information about the issue of fatal and non-fatal overdose, to provide basic information on the range of available support services, and to inform people around the globe about the risk of overdose.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2023 10:35 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).