|
Dear Friends,
August 31st is a day that holds deep, personal significance for me and so many others who have faced the devastating impact of overdose. As someone in recovery, I’ve lost many friends to this epidemic—people who were more than just statistics, but vibrant lives cut short too soon.
International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember those we’ve lost and to acknowledge the pain of those left behind. Each name, each story, is a reminder of the urgent need for compassion and action.
In 2023, 107,543 lives were lost to drug overdoses, according to the CDC. Since 2016, the annual number of overdose deaths in the U.S. has consistently surpassed the total number of U.S. soldiers lost during the Vietnam War. Each year, the toll of this crisis exceeds that of a decade-long conflict, highlighting the urgent need for action and support.
Let that sink in.
This day isn’t just about remembering—it’s also about acknowledging how far we still have to go in creating a system that is accessible and effective in preventing overdose and improving health and wellness for all people who use drugs.
Public health plays a crucial role in this fight. Access to resources like naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, is essential. Naloxone should be as common as a first aid kit—something everyone knows how to use, because it can mean the difference between life and death. Equipping our community with naloxone and the knowledge to use it is a critical step in preventing further loss.
For me, this day is a call to action.
We need to educate, advocate, and support each other to prevent more lives from being lost. It’s a time to stand together, share our stories, and remind ourselves that recovery is possible, and no one should have to walk that path alone.
Join us on August 31st as we honor those we’ve lost and commit to making a difference. Let’s create a community where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued—because every life is worth fighting for.
To learn more about naloxone and how to access it, visit the Next Distro website.
Lastly, if you feel compelled to give, every dollar helps us continue our fight against overdose, promote recovery, and prevent substance use amongst our youth. We always deeply appreciate your support.
| 
