Thursday is International Overdose Awareness Day. This day is the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose and remember those who have died without stigma and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
According to the CDC, more than 105,000 Americans died of overdoses in 2022. As International Overdose Awareness Day nears, local communities are coming together to raise awareness of the staggering numbers of overdoses and the ongoing struggle.
GUIDE: Here’s what to do if you think someone is overdosing
The town of New Canaan is just one community coming together to remember the lives lost. The New Canaan Parent Support Group hosted its 7th annual community addiction awareness vigil on Wednesday. The tagline for this year's event is "Families Empower Recovery." Organizers say the event featured survivor stories, resources, a hope and remembrance wall, and candlelight vigil.
The town of Fairfield will also hold an event at 7 p.m. Thursday on the Sherman Green.
The goals of International Overdose Awareness Day are:
Provide an opportunity for people to publicly mourn loved ones
Send a message to people who use drugs and people in recovery that they are valued.
Inform people around the world about the risk of drug overdose.
Provide information on the range of support services that are available.
Prevent and reduce drug-related harms by supporting evidence-based practice.
The CDC says signs of an overdose may include:
Small, constricted pupils
Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
Slow, weak, or no breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
A limp body
Cold or clammy skin
Discolored skin, especially in the lips and nails
If you think someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. And administer Narcan if it's available.
The CDC says you should carry Narcan if:
You or someone you know is at increased risk for opioid overdose, especially those with opioid use disorder.
Are taking high-dose opioid medications prescribed by a doctor.
Or use illicit substances such as heroin or fentanyl.
