National Opioid Overdose Awareness Day

Young person holding a poster with the words 'Opioid Overdose Awareness' while standing in a park with diverse group of people, wearing casual clothing.. — National opioid overdose awareness day illustration

Hey there! Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, your one-stop source for all things national days. Today, we'll be diving into the history and significance of National Opioid Overdose Awareness Day.

When is Opioid Overdose Awareness Day?

It's national opioid overdose awareness day on the 31st August.

A Day of Remembrance and Awareness

National Opioid Overdose Awareness Day is an important day that sheds light on the devastating impact of opioid overdoses and seeks to raise awareness about the opioid crisis.

Opioid overdose is a serious and widespread issue that affects individuals and communities across the globe. This national day serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the urgent need for action against substance abuse.

Every year, on August 31st, loved ones, healthcare professionals, and advocates come together to honor those who have lost their lives to opioid overdose, support those struggling with addiction, and promote prevention efforts.

Through educational activities, candlelight vigils, and community events, this day aims to instill hope and empower individuals to seek help, understand the dangers of opioids, and prevent further tragedies.

History behind the term 'Opioid Overdose Awareness'

1971

The Controlled Substances Act

In 1971, the United States Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act, which classified certain drugs into different schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical use. Opioids, including prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, were classified as Schedule II drugs, indicating a high potential for abuse but with accepted medical uses.

2014

Rising Opioid Overdose Epidemic

By 2014, opioid abuse and overdose had become a significant public health crisis in the United States. Prescription opioid painkillers were increasingly misused, leading to a surge in addiction, overdose, and deaths. The rise of illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, further exacerbated the problem, contributing to a sharp increase in overdose fatalities.

2015

The First National Overdose Awareness Day

In 2015, the first National Overdose Awareness Day was observed on August 31st. This day aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid overdose and honor those who had lost their lives to it. The event encouraged community participation, education, and support to reduce stigma associated with substance use disorders and promote access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

2016

Opioid Crisis Declaration

To address the worsening opioid crisis, in 2016, the United States declared it a public health emergency. This declaration highlighted the urgency of the situation and mobilized resources and efforts to combat opioid misuse, improve access to addiction treatment, expand naloxone distribution to reverse overdoses, and enhance opioid overdose awareness campaigns.

2017

International Overdose Awareness Day

Recognizing the global scale of the issue, International Overdose Awareness Day was established as an annual event held on August 31st. This day aimed to create an international dialogue on overdose prevention, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and provide support to families and communities affected by opioid overdose.

2017

Increasing Awareness and Education

Over the years, various organizations, government agencies, and community groups have worked tirelessly to increase awareness and education about opioid overdose. Efforts have included training sessions on recognizing the signs of overdose, distributing naloxone, promoting safe prescribing practices, and advocating for policy changes to address the root causes of the opioid crisis.

Did you know?

Did you know that the first National Opioid Overdose Awareness Day was observed on August 31, 2016? Since then, it has gained momentum with increasing participation and engagement from communities across the country.