With this special day in mind, we would like to recognize all healthcare professionals who work with clients to overcome addictions; many of you have your own recovery journeys and have chosen to make helping others your life’s work. We thank you all for the amazing (and hard) work that you do every day.

Below are statements from clients in our Recovery Services program on what this day means to them:

“This day honors those of us that did not make it out. The ones who went too soon, before their light had a chance to shine and to grow. This day reminds me why we are here working hard for those still suffering from this disease. This day is for the mothers and fathers who lost their children to a very real monster. This day is a day of remembering God's children and to remind us to love like He does, regardless of active use. This so easily could have been me. #EachOneReachOne”

“It is a day of recognition of those lost, but also a day to declare this disease has no bias or boundary. It takes those of means and those without, it takes those in the west as well as in the east. Addiction and the loss is felt by all, not just a few. It’s a day that we mourn but also recognize there is much work to be done."

The goals of International Overdose Awareness Day are:

To provide an opportunity for people to publicly mourn loved ones in a safe environment, some for the first time without feeling guilt or shame.

To include the greatest number of people in International Overdose Awareness Day events, and encourage non-denominational involvement.

To give community members information about the issue of fatal and non-fatal overdose.

To send a strong message to current and former people who use drugs that they are valued.

To stimulate discussion about overdose prevention and drug policy.

To provide basic information on the range of support services that are available.

To prevent and reduce drug-related harm by supporting evidence-based policy and practice.

To inform people around the world about the risk of overdose.

To learn more, visit this link. Follow these links for more information on Burrell’s Recovery Services and Crisis programs.

Recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day