International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed on 31 August. It is a time to remember people lost and an opportunity to take action to end overdose. Penington Institute is a leading national voice in the public health sector. Since our inception as an independent, non-profit organisation in the 1990s, we have worked to increase understanding and improve responses to the problems arising from the use of illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals and alcohol. Whether it’s through strategies to prevent the transmission of blood-borne viruses, information campaigns, or the provision of training programs for workers at the front line of health and emergency services, Penington institute employs a scientific approach to addressing an issue that affects all levels of society. Penington Institute does not condone drug use but strives to protect people from drug-related harm when at their most vulnerable.

Address and contacts of International Overdose Awareness Day

place map
International Overdose Awareness Day

Melbourne , VIC
Australia
Email
Contact Phone
P: (+61 3) 9650 0699
Website

Description

What is International Overdose Awareness Day? International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held on August 31st each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. Aims International Overdose Awareness Day hopes to diminish the stigma associated with drug use. That includes all drugs, licit and illicit (and alcohol, too). Taking its themes as prevention and remembrance, its goals are: •To provide an opportunity for people to publicly mourn for loved ones, some for the first time, without feeling guilt or shame. •To include the greatest number of people in Overdose Awareness Day events, and encourage non-denominational involvement. •To give community members information about the issue of fatal and non fatal overdose. •To send a strong message to current and former drug users that they are valued. •To stimulate discussion about overdose prevention and drug policy. •To provide information on the range of support services that exists in the local community. •To prevent and reduce drug-related harm by supporting evidence-based policy and practice. •To remind all of the risks of overdose.

General Info

Celebrated around the world, International Overdose Awareness Day aims to raise awareness of drug overdose and eradicate the stigma attached to drug use. It also spreads the message that overdose is a preventable tragedy. An inspired idea International Overdose Awareness Day originated in Melbourne, Australia in 2001. Sally Finn, manager of a Salvation Army needle and syringe program, was touched by the sorrow she observed among the friends and families of those who had overdosed. She witnessed their inability to express that sorrow because of the stigma surrounding people who use drugs. Finn decided to organise an event of remembrance. To commemorate those who had died from overdose, Finn hit upon the idea of distributing ribbons. She thought she’d need 500, she gave out 6,000. That event in the back yard of a suburban crisis centre has evolved into International Overdose Awareness Day, which is now celebrated around the world. Its global significance reflects the universality of the human emotions triggered by the tragedy of overdose – a tragedy that’s preventable. International Overdose Awareness Day is now organised by the non-profit Australian public health body Penington institute after Salvation Army Crisis Services transferred responsibility in early 2012. Penington institute works to increase understanding of – and improve responses to – the problems arising from the use of illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals and alcohol. Everyone from governments, councils, health services, police, families and individuals are encouraged to get involved and show their support. Organisations and individuals are encouraged to develop and register their own local events or ceremonies. Contact us For further information about International Overdose Awareness Day or about overdose generally please contact Penington institute at info@penington.org.au Telephone (+61 3) 9650 0699 Facsimile (+61 3) 9650 1600 Sponsorship and donations are welcome and we invite expressions of interest which may help us to improve this website and enhance International Overdose Awareness Day in the future.

Company Rating

33868 FB users likes International Overdose Awareness Day, set it to 3 position in Likes Rating for Melbourne, Victoria, Australia in Charity Organization category

Summary

International Overdose Awareness Day is Melbourne based place and this enity listed in Charity Organization category. Contact phone number of International Overdose Awareness Day: (+61 3) 9650 0699

Charity Organization category, Melbourne

Project Underdog Rescue Inc.
PO BOX 506 Essendon , VIC 3040 Australia

Project Underdog Rescue is a registered charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and successfully re-homing companion animals who need us most.

Forever Friends Animal Rescue
Melbourne , VIC 3810 Australia

Our volunteer-run charity saves homeless dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and farm animals on death row in pounds and shelters and finds them loving forever homes. We rely on the community for donations and support in saving lives. Forever Friends Animal Rescue Inc. only exists due to the generosity of the public to help fund the many costs of saving lives. We are a registered charity, and all donations over $2 are tax-deductible. To Donate Online via Credit Card: http://www.givenow.com.au/foreverfriendsanimalrescue To Donate via Direct Deposit: Account Name: Forever Friends Animal Rescue Inc. Bank: Westpac BSB: 033 039 Account: 658740 * Please put your name in the ‘Reference’ field and email your receipt to donations@foreverfriends.org.au so we can issue a tax receipt. We were established in 2011 to save homeless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens from euthanasia in pounds and shelters and find them loving Forever Homes. We are entirely staffed by volunteers, receive no government funding, and rely on the community for donations and support in fulfilling our mission. Please see this PetRescue link to view animals currently available for adoption: http://www.petrescue.com.au/groups/10339 All our rescue pets are desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and wormed and are adopted out on a four-week trial to make sure they are the best match for your family, and vice versa. We are always looking for both short- and long-term foster carers to help us save lives, and volunteers to help us fill all the essential roles - from transporting animals to administration. Please get in touch if you'd like to assist: info@foreverfriends.org.au.

International Overdose Awareness Day
Melbourne , VIC null Australia

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed on 31 August. It is a time to remember people lost and an opportunity to take action to end overdose. Penington Institute is a leading national voice in the public health sector. Since our inception as an independent, non-profit organisation in the 1990s, we have worked to increase understanding and improve responses to the problems arising from the use of illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals and alcohol. Whether it’s through strategies to prevent the transmission of blood-borne viruses, information campaigns, or the provision of training programs for workers at the front line of health and emergency services, Penington institute employs a scientific approach to addressing an issue that affects all levels of society. Penington Institute does not condone drug use but strives to protect people from drug-related harm when at their most vulnerable.