News
International Overdose Awareness Day
1st of September 2023
This years theme for International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) was “Recognizing those people who go unseen” and honouring the people whose lives have been altered by overdose; such as the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion; or spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver.
This year on August 31st, Dumfries and Galloway ADP and partner organisations campaigned to acknowledge and support the people in our communities who go unrecognized by raising awareness of the hidden impacts of overdose and remember those we have sadly lost.
On the 31st in memory of those we have lost Dumfries and Galloway Council lit up the English Street Council Offices in Dumfries and Castle of St John’s in Stranraer purple. This is to commemorate and remember anyone we have lost to drugs.
The ADP and partner organisations, We Are With You, the Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service, Alcohol and Drug Support South West Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Recovery Together arranged local pop up awareness stalls around Dumfries and Galloway throughout the month of August to spread awareness, give out harm reduction advice, signpost people to services that can support and engage with the community to have better conversations about drugs.
For more information on International Overdose Awareness Day please click below.
