DDAP Secretary Addresses International Overdose Awareness Day in Memorial Event

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) aims to end overdose deaths globally, fostering stigma-free remembrance and recognizing the pain experienced by families and friends. This campaign raises awareness about the grave public health crisis posed by overdoses, igniting discussions and actions based on evidence-backed strategies for prevention.

Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones participated in a poignant memorial event at the state capitol this morning, Thursday, August 31. She highlighted the transformation of the Capitol steps into a temporary memorial, signifying the enduring memories of loved ones. Dr. Davis-Jones emphasized embracing emotions authentically on this day. Her call to action urges collective responsibility to honor lives lost, emphasizing overdose preventability and the hope of recovery from addiction. Additionally, she shared resources aligned with IOAD’s theme and addressed equity-related dimensions of the overdose crisis, including how racial and ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected. Resources provided by DDAP include:

General Resources:

• Get Help Now Hotline
• Get Naloxone
• Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Just Five — Substance Use Disorder Education and Prevention

IOAD Resources:

• PAStop — International Overdose Awareness Day Resources
• DEA — International Overdose Awareness Day
• CDC — Stop Overdose Website

Equity-Related Resources:

• CDC — Cocaine and Psychostimulant-Involved Overdose Deaths Disproportionately Affect Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
• CDC — Health Equity and Drug Overdoses