“Their Lights Shine On” – International Overdose Awareness Day
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 harm associated with drug use. This year Assumption University, together with the community of students, family, friends, stakeholders, and community organizations will join others all over the globe in hosting an event to remember the loved ones lost to overdose and take action to save lives. This event is timely and salient. In 2022, because COVID-19 an exponential increase in drug-related harm. Notably, a record high of 107, 622 opioid overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2021.
The Assumption University Overdose Awareness Event will be held from 4-6pm on August 31, 2022, kicking off a month of recovery activities including Narcan and hands off CPR trainings, guest speakers, and a film viewing. The event will be held in the Tsostis Ballroom and will include the voices of three local families who have lost loved ones to overdose, along with an individual in recovery and the Worcester County Sherriff, who will talk about the impact of opioid overdose on our community and the services and supports that are available. The goal of the event, “Their Light Shines On,” will be to create a space for remembrance and building of hope and to create a community recognition that opioid overdose is preventable, and that we all can contribute to a solution.
The event will kick off with the first hour dedicated to impact stories and community engagement, followed by a walk around the loop of campus (the goal will be to take 107,622 steps collectively to honor and walk with those we have lost to overdose deaths). The path will be lined with a handful of impactful posters as well as hundreds of luminary bags that will have the name of loved ones lost to overdose death and to highlight the large-scale nature of this issue. The event will conclude with a reception and refreshments.