International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global day of commemoration and celebration.

IOAD was founded in 2001 by Sally Finn at the Salvation Army Crisis Services in St Kilda, Melbourne, and Peter Streker from the City of Port Phillip. It is now overseen by the Penington Institute, and involves events around the world.

CEO of Penington Institute John Ryan said in IOAD’s 16th year overdose remained a rapidly growing concern.

“In the US, politicians and policy-makers including the President have acknowledged they are in the midst of an overdose epidemic with more than 120 overdose deaths per day. Globally, overdose is a major problem with at least 100,000 overdose deaths per year according to the UN’s World Drug Report 2016,” he said.

“And the number of deaths is likely to be far higher than 100,000. The stigma associated with overdose means many overdose deaths are not counted as overdoses, plus many countries under-report their overdose statistics.”

“Overdose deaths continue to climb and action needs to be taken on a number of fronts. It’s time to act,” he said.

“Our theme of ‘Time to act’ can have various meanings. Yes, it’s time for decision makers globally to take action to help stop the escalating rates of overdose around the world. But also, ‘Time to act’ refers to the actions that individuals can take to save a life from overdose.

“It’s critical that people know what to do.”

Mr Ryan said there were four key actions anyone in the community can be familiar with to make them a potential lifesaver: know what an overdose looks like; administer naloxone; seek emergency assistance; commence first aid and CPR if required.

Ms Finn said the need for community and government action has not diminished and the day aimed to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledged the grief felt by families and friends.

For more on overdose basics visit: http://www.overdoseday.com/resources/overdose-basics/