Overdose Awareness Day Information
AUGUST 31ST, 2011
...a day to acknowledge individual loss and family grief for people who have suffered overdose.
We are inviting you to participate in Overdose Awareness Day 2011. This year, on the 31st August 2011, we will be remembering those who have died from having suffered overdose as well as those who live with permanent injuries from overdose. The silver badge, which signifies the profound loss of someone cherished, will be available for anyone to wear, whether they wish to show their understanding or to offer condolences to those bearing the burden of grief, or, indeed, to signify their own grief. The badge is a symbol which puts different views and presumptions aside to commemorate the complexity of life and to remember the joy which was given by those who have been lost.
Overdose Awareness Day has a number of aims:
It hopes to lay bare the stigma associated with drug use.
To include overdoses that are heroin related, but also overdoses from alcohol, pills and other drugs. The inclusion of all drugs is important and more reflective of the reality of overdose, allowing us to speak more broadly about the issues.
- 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 as such, encourages non-denominational involvement.
- To give community members information about the issue of 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 basic information on the range of support services that exist in the local community.
- To remind the drug user to be careful.
It is envisaged that after an agency or individuals have obtained the silver badges and other information from The Salvation Army Crisis Services, they will be handed out free to people to maximise the spread of the message.
If you are interested in organising an event your local council, or municipal body, may be able to offer support or co-ordination for you.
The Salvation Army would like to encourage people to post a tribute to someone lost from an overdose on our website. These tributes will be posted on the web site as soon as they are received. The website will also offer space for particulars of events that are being conducted on the day. Details relating to tributes and community events can be forwarded to us via facsimile on (03) 9536 7778 or via email at access.health@aus.salvationarmy.org
For further information please do not hesitate to contact either myself on (+61 3) 9536 7703 or 0413 427 144 or Paul Bourke on (+61 3) 9536 7792 or forward inquiries via email to access.health@aus.salvationarmy.org or facsimile (+61 3) 9536 7778
Kind regards,
Sally Finn
Founder
Overdose Awareness Day
