Missoula Public Health Hosts Events to Mark International Overdose Awareness Day

Missoula Public Health and members of the Missoula Drug Safety Coalition are hosting several free events in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day to provide overdose prevention education and resources and create space for remembrance and healing.

Monday, Aug. 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day, an annual campaign to remember, without stigma, those who have died from overdose, acknowledge the grief of the people left behind, and strengthen community efforts to prevent overdose-related deaths.

“International Overdose Awareness Day gives us an opportunity to remember the people our community has lost, support those who are grieving, and remind people that overdose is preventable when we act,” said Leah Fitch-Brody, substance use disorder prevention coordinator at Missoula Public Health. “By learning how to recognize and respond to an overdose and making lifesaving resources more widely available, each of us can help save lives.”

Event details include:

Overdose Prevention and Response Trainings: Monday, Aug. 31, noon to 1 p.m.

Two trainings will be offered simultaneously at the following locations:

·         Missoula Public Library, 155 E. Main St., Cooper Room B

·         SCHEELS Training Center, 2910 Brooks St.

Participants will learn how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, including how to administer naloxone, the medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.

International Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance Event: Monday, Aug. 31, 7 p.m., Silver Park Pavilion

Community members are invited to gather in remembrance of those whose lives have been affected or lost due to overdose. The event will provide an opportunity to honor loved ones, support people who are grieving, and stand together in the effort to end overdose and the stigma surrounding substance use.

Resource Access Day: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Missoula Public Library

Community members can receive free naloxone, fentanyl test strips, medication safety supplies and other overdose prevention resources. Staff and community partners will also be available to provide information and answer questions about how to use the supplies.

All events are free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend, learn how they can help prevent overdose, and join Missoula in remembering those affected by overdose with compassion and without stigma.

Observed annually on Aug. 31, International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest campaign to end overdose. The day raises awareness that overdose deaths are preventable, honors those who have died, and acknowledges the grief experienced by their families, friends and communities. Learn about how Missoula Public Health is addressing these issues in our community by visiting missoula.co/sud.