Burns Flat, OK - On August 31, 2025, communities across the globe will unite to remember those who have lost their lives or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose. International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is observed annually to raise awareness about overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and inspire action that saves lives.

This year’s theme, “We Are One Big Family,” emphasizes the power of compassion, connection, and collective responsibility. It reminds us that overdose affects not just individuals, but entire communities, and that healing and prevention begin when we come together. (https://idpc.net/events/2025/06/international-overdose-awareness-day-2025)

The overdose crisis continues to escalate. In the United States alone, nearly 108,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2023. (https://www.overdoseday.com/) These are not just numbers, they are parents, siblings, children, and friends. Every life lost leaves a ripple of grief and a call to action.

“When we remember together, we heal together, and through that healing, we find the strength to prevent future loss,” said DeShawna Smyth, Assistant Project Manager for Prevention at the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA). “We invite those with lived experience to stand with us, not as separate voices, but as part of one big family committed to healing and hope.”

International Overdose Awareness Day is an initiative of the Penington Institute, a public health nonprofit based in Melbourne, Australia. You can learn more and find a list of global events at overdoseday.com. There are many ways to support this initiative. You could wear purple or a purple ribbon to signify your support. You could also share posts on your social media pages or join a local coalition.

Locally, SWODA is leading substance misuse prevention efforts across 13 counties in Western Oklahoma. If you’d like to get involved, please contact DeShawna Smyth at deshawna@swoda.org, and she will connect you with your area’s coalition coordinator. You can also visit swoda.org for more information.

Our prevention programs are supported by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, SWODA, and local coalitions.

Together, we can honor those we’ve lost, support those who are struggling, and work toward a future free from overdose.