Drug overdoses have gone up both in the U.S. and in Georgia every year since 2007, according to data from the CDC. In the U.S. generally, overdoses have doubled in that time. In Georgia, they have “only” gone up about 75% – some 1,500 last year. Georgia ranks 13th in the nation for drug-related deaths (and 12th in the nation for excessive drinking deaths).
International Overdose Awareness Day was started to bring attention to the severity of the issue and to help share the stories of those impacted, from white to black, rich to poor. Some readers may have traveled past the King and Queen buildings on Monday night and seen them lit up purple, which was in honor of the day. The Skyview Ferris wheel in downtown Atlanta was lit up in purple and buildings across the country were done in similar fashion – even the fountain in the center of the town square in Fayetteville was turned purple.
The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse took time today to remember those lost via – being the COVID-era – a Zoom call (which was recorded for those interested), with a short program and a moment of silence. Jeff Breedlove, the Chief of Communications & Policy at the Council on Substance Abuse, led the call, which was joined by many volunteers active in recovery programs, some of those who have recovered and, perhaps most powerfully, family members of those lost.
Three moms who lost sons to substance abuse joined the call. “This is a super powerful day for the mothers that have lost. It’s as important that we remember those we have lost because they are making a change for future generations, with our stories, with our love and our hope,” said Jennifer Bryant Hodge, one of those moms. “We would do anything to have them back but the miracle in their death is what they are doing with their death, they are reaching a lot of people.”
Besides remembering those that have been lost, the day aims to publicly challenge the stigma associated with substance abuse disorders and overdosing.
“This we do in their memory and in their honor. As we conclude this moment of memory in celebration, we invite people to join the Georgia Council of Substance Abuse on Wednesday, for the statewide kickoff of National Recovery Month programs,” said Breedlove. “We’ll have some special guests and announcements you will not want to miss.”
International Overdose Day was started in Australia in 2001, becoming a global campaign within a few years – particularly as the opioid crisis hit in many countries and overdose deaths skyrocketed. Last year, 39 countries hosted 847 events. Besides discussion around breaking down stigma, the day also spreads the message about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policies.
You can learn more about the global campaign here: https://www.overdoseday.com/
And find events for National Recovery Month from the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse here: https://gasubstanceabuse.org/
