Please join the Baltimore Student Harm Reduction Coalition (BSHRC) in honoring International Overdose Awareness Day – this Friday, August 31, 2012.
Did you know that drug overdose (OD) is the leading cause of accidental death in the US, causing more deaths than motor vehicle crashes and shootings? This epidemic is particularly troubling in Baltimore City, where the death rate from drug OD is more than three times higher than the national average! In 2007 alone, 213 city residents died from opioid overdose (DHMH, 2011).
Yet with proper policies, funding, and support, we CAN end this senseless epidemic! Overdose Awareness Day is one opportunity to remember the people who have experienced or have been lost due to drug overdose. It is also a call to action, to increase visibility about overdose, reduce relevant stigma, and instigate policy and personal change.
Here are some easy steps you can take to increase awareness about this crisis:
- Comment on BSHRC’s facebook page with anecdotes, stories, or memorials relating to OD. Share your experiences with or feelings about overdose, or simply list a name in memoriam or celebration. (To remain anonymous, message or email us, and we will post on your behalf.)
- Wear silver [gray is okay] on Friday to show solidarity. Gather your friends and colleagues, make signs showing your support for OD awareness, and take photos. Post the photos to Facebook and tag BSHRC (or email them to us and we will post them for you).
- Spread the Word: Join our Facebook event page – and then share our posts; Use hashtag #OD12 on Twitter to join the international conversation.
- Donate to the Naloxone Fund, benefiting the Chicago Recovery Alliance. Your tax-deductible gift will go directly to saving a life!
For more information or to become involved with BSHRC, email Jen at BaltimoreStudentHRC@gmail.com.
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