PRO-ACT commemorates International Overdose Awareness Day, each August 31st
The Council of Southeast PA, and PRO-ACT join with others around the world in coming together on August 31st to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose. Observed on August 31st each year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.
On that day and on days around the date, PRO-ACT Staff and volunteers visit community settings throughout the region holding Overdose Awareness Narcan events. Thanks to local companies and organizations who agree to host tables, our teams provide Narcan training and distribution in Bucks, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties – you could find them by their #EndOverdose t-shirts!
Past Locations included:
- Family Dollar Stores in Coatesville, Norristown and Philadelphia.
- Christ Episcopal Church in Pottstown.
- Modern Male Barbershop in Lansdale.
- Coatesville Area Library and Coatesville Comprehensive Treatment Center in Coatesville.
- Sunoco and Uptown Cheapskate stores in Bristol.
Our Hospital Partners also join in the day by having staff in the Emergency Departments don #End Overdose tshirts. They have included Jefferson Health Northeast, Saint Mary Medical Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Jefferson Health Northeast (at Frankford and Torresdale Campuses) and at Nazareth Hospital.
We’re grateful to these community partners for joining themselves to a global movement for understanding, compassion, and change. We are always looking for new partners and for new locations who want to host a table, as well as for volunteers to join us at the table events in their communities.