Many hundreds of thousands of people around the world lose their lives to overdose each year. [Nearly 110,000 Americans lost their lives to overdose in 2022, an increase of roughly four percent from 2021 and the second consecutive year of more than 100,000 overdose deaths]. They were our children, parents, siblings, partners, neighbors, colleagues, and friends.
There is strong evidence to support practical solutions, such as providing free naloxone and fentanyl testing kits and improving access to opioid substitution treatment. All of these have been shown to reduce deaths and other harms caused by overdose.
Local communities, including those in Adams County and around the world, are coming together to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose. This year, the International Overdose Awareness Day will be observed for an entire week. Observed on the 31st of August every year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create a better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.
This year the Adams County Coalition for Overdose Awareness & Recovery will kick off the week by hosting the 6th annual Overdose Awareness Walk on Monday, August 26, 2024 at 6 p.m. The walk will begin at the Adams County Court House on Baltimore Street and will end at the Fireman’s Pavilion at the Gettysburg REC Park at 545 Long Lane in Gettysburg. At the Gettysburg REC Park, we will hear from local individuals and community representatives. Free naloxone will also be available.
For more information on this event or the Adams County Coalition for Overdose Awareness & Recovery, please call Lyric Gallagher at 717-338-0300 x 102. Visit their website at www.overdosefreeadams.org. If you are interested in having a memorial picture of your loved one on display during the event, please contact Lyric at the above information. The Adams County Coalition for Overdose Awareness & Recovery is housed at the Center for Youth and Community Development offices located at 233 W High Street in Gettysburg.
