August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, and the theme for 2024 is “Together We Can.” International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have been lost to overdose, and hold space for the grief of the people left behind.
Hampshire HOPE, SPIFFY’s sister coalition, is supporting a vigil in Easthampton on Monday, August 26 in Millside Park from 5:30-8:00pm, and a vigil in Northampton on Thursday, August 29 on the Forbes Library lawn from 6:00-8:00pm. The BOAT Coalition in Belchertown will hold a candlelight vigil on August 31 from 6:00-8:00pm on the Belchertown Common, and the RECOVER Project in Greenfield will hold their Overdose Awareness Vigil on August 30 on the town common at 6:00pm.
The main website for International Overdose Awareness Day has many different ways that you can get involved, including social media banners and graphics, merchandise like stickers and hoodies with this year’s theme to help amplify the message, educational materials and an advocacy toolkit.