Wear purple to #EndOverdose; event planned for August 31

CENTRAL DISTRICT HEALTH, IDAHO – Central District Health’s (CDH) Drug Overdose Prevention Program, in partnership with the Idaho Harm Reduction Project, Peer Recovery Supports of Idaho, Peer Wellness Center, and Recovery Idaho, are hosting Idaho’s International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) event on Tuesday, August 31 at 6 p.m. on the Idaho Capitol steps.

Observed on August 31 every year, IOAD aims to provide a better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.

The IOAD event will have education sessions including Naloxone (overdose reversal medication) trainings, with American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish interpretation, and overdose prevention education. The event is free and the general public and media are encouraged to attend. View the keynote speaker agenda here.

Participate in the event, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the Idaho Capitol steps. The following will take place during the special occasion:

• Keynote speakers
  • Casey Mattoon, Manager at Our Path Home
  • Courtney Boyce, Drug Overdose Prevention Program Coordinator at Central District Health
  • Jessica Sallstrom, Clinic Lead at Terry Reilly Health Services
  • Lindsay Brown, Lead Certified Recovery Coach at Peer Recovery Supports of Idaho
  • Marjorie Wilson, Co-founder & Executive Director of Idaho Harm Reduction Project (IHRP)
  • Monica Forbes, CEO/Administrator at Recovery United
  • Sue Chew, Idaho State Representative and Adjunct Professor/Licensed Pharmacist

• Special tributes
• Interactive activities
  • IHRP will hold a Candlelight Vigil in honor of those who have lost their lives due to fatal overdoses in 2020. The Capitol steps will be lined with candles to honor those lost.
• Access to resources and support (booths with community vendors and supportive environments).

Background
The drug overdose situation has become more critical since the COVID-19 pandemic began, shown in the 2020 statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Between May 2019 and May 2020, CDC data reports the largest number of drug overdoses ever recorded over a single year.

The number of overdose deaths increased by 18.2% from June 2019 to May 2020 compared to the 4.1% decline from 2017 to 2018. The increase in drug overdose mortality began in 2019 and continues into 2021.

International Overdose Awareness Proclamation
Idaho Governor Brad Little proclaimed August 31, 2021, as Overdose Awareness Day. The Proclamation signed on August 17, 2021, encourages all Idaho citizens to join Governor Little in this special observance.

The Proclamation states, “Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity to educate the community and reduce the stigma of substance use disorders and drug-related death, and to encourage those living with substance use disorders to reach out for help.” Read the full Proclamation and information on CDH’s Drug Overdose Prevention Program page.

Proclamation Link

International Overdose Awareness Day
People and communities across the world come together annually to raise awareness about one of today’s most urgent public health crises, drug overdose.

Boise is joining in the global movement for overdose education, awareness, and remembrance for those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose. Join IOAD by wearing purple and attending Idaho’s IOAD event to #EndOverdose. If you can’t attend, get involved by:

• Wearing purple
• Turning your lights purple for the day (businesses with this capacity)
• Discussing with friends and loved ones how overdose is preventable

Event Information:
When: August 31, 2021 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Idaho Capitol Building Steps, 700 W. Jefferson St., Bois

Information Resources:
International Overdose Awareness Day
Central District Health Overdose Prevention Resources
Idaho Department Health Welfare Overdose Prevention Resources

Media Contact:
Alina Gilmore, 208-830-2540 | agilmore@cdh.idaho.gov