On Aug. 31, communities across the world observe International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) to raise awareness, support communities in the fight against substance use disorder, and remember loved ones lost to the epidemic. In Ohio, this observance was officially sanctioned on June 8, 2021, when Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 30 into law. 

The original IOAD campaign began in 2001 and remains the world’s largest movement to remember those who have passed from overdoses and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind—without stigma. The day, and events held on the day, raise awareness for opioid and other drug overdoses, which are a major public health crisis worldwide. In addition to honoring and remembering those lost, the goal for this day of remembrance is to inspire action and discussion about drug policy and evidence-based overdose prevention.

Each year in the Toledo area, the Lucas County Opiate Coalition and Northwest Ohio Syringe Services (NOSS) come together on IOAD for their annual Chalk the Walk event. This year’s event will be held on Friday, Aug. 16 from 3-7 p.m. and take place at Toledo’s Uptown Green Park, allowing the event to be even more accessible to those in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Through chalk murals, yoga, memorials, and more, the community is encouraged to remember those lost to overdoses. Participants also have the opportunity to connect with community resources to raise awareness around drug overdoses and learn about prevention methods.

In addition to local community-based events, RecoveryOhio, the Ohio Department of Health, and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services have partnered together to create this toolkit featuring social media graphics and posts, flyers, and digital ads that can be used by communities and local organizations. These free resources can be found online by visiting https://mha.ohio.gov/get-help/get-help-now/overdose-awareness-day.

This year, Zepf Center will honor IOAD by participating in Toledo’s Chalk the Walk event on Aug. 16 and inviting those from its Recovery Housing to attend and participate. The agency will host a table at the event where staff will provide information about substance use treatment and the full continuum of care available to Zepf Center clients. Staff will also be hosting a community art project to commemorate those lost to overdose and to support those living with substance use disorder.

“Drug overdoses are preventable, but they are a devastating reality for those without access to resources, support, and treatment,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “We want the community to know that we are here for them and ready to provide trauma-informed, accessible care wherever they are in their recovery journey.”

For more information about the 2024 Chalk the Walk event, click here.

To learn more about the Lucas County Opiate Coalition and how you can raise awareness for opioid overdose year-round, click here.