Overdose Awareness Week is this month, from August 25 – August 31. August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day, is a day where people around the world gather to remember those who we have lost due to overdose, as well as spread awareness about overdose prevention strategies. The color associated with Overdose Awareness Month is purple. Purple symbolizes remembrance for those who have lost their lives to drug overdoses and solidarity with individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. Wearing purple during the month of August demonstrates your solidarity.
Another way to take action this month is to attend a vigil or other related event. In Hampshire County, many groups have organized vigils later in the month that are open to the public to attend.
- Easthampton: Monday, August 25 from 6-8 PM at Millside Park
- Central/Western MA VA: Tuesday, August 26 from 10:30 AM-12 PM at the VA Pavilion
- South Hadley: Tuesday, August 26 from 5:30-7 PM at Beachgrounds Park
- Belchertown: Thursday, August 28 from 6-8 PM at Belchertown Commons
- Northampton: Thursday, August 28 from 6-8 PM at Forbes Library Lawn
- Ware: Friday, August 29 from 5:30-6:30 PM at Veterans Park
If you’re interested in learning about the Overdose Awareness resources and related information, here are a few websites to get you started:
- https://www.overdoseday.com/
- https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/overdose-awareness-week
- https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/php/toolkits/ioad.html
- https://awareness-campaigns.com/2024/07/overdose-awareness-month.html
