Overdose Awareness Day - August 31st 2010

...a day to acknowledge individual loss and family grief for people who have suffered overdose. 

Tuesday August 31st 2010

We are inviting you to participate in Overdose Awareness Day 2010. This year, on the 31st August 2010, we will be remembering those who have died from having suffered overdose as well as those who live with permanent injuries from overdose. The silver badge, which signifies the profound loss of someone cherished, will be available for anyone to wear, whether they wish to show their understanding or to offer condolences to those bearing the burden of grief, or, indeed, to signify their own grief. The badge is a symbol which puts different views and presumptions aside to commemorate the complexity of life and to remember the joy which was given by those who have been lost.

Overdose Awareness Day has a number of aims:

• It hopes to lay bare the stigma associated with drug use.
• To include overdoses that are heroin related, but also overdoses from alcohol, pills and other drugs. The inclusion of all drugs is important and more reflective of the reality of overdose, allowing us to speak more broadly about the issues.
• To provide an opportunity for people to publicly mourn for loved ones, some for the first time, without feeling guilt or shame.
• To include the greatest number of people in Overdose Awareness Day events, and as such, encourages non-denominational involvement.
• To give community members information about the issue of overdose.
• To send a strong message to current and former drug users that they are valued.
• To stimulate discussion about overdose prevention and drug policy.
• To provide basic information on the range of support services that exist in the local community.
• To remind the drug user to be careful.

It is envisaged that after an agency or individuals have obtained the silver badges and other information from The Salvation Army Crisis Services, they will be handed out free to people to maximise the spread of the message.
If you are interested in organising an event your local council, or municipal body, may be able to offer support or co-ordination for you.

This year The Salvation Army would like to encourage people to post a tribute to someone lost from an overdose on our website. Tributes will be posted on the web site from the beginning of August 2010. The website will also offer space for particulars of events that are being conducted on the day. Details relating to tributes and community events can be forwarded to us via facsimile on (03) 9536 7778 or via email at access.health@aus.salvationarmy.org

Click on the following links to access the following material: 

» Information Sheet

» Materials Order Form

» Local Event Poster A4

» Local Event Poster A3

» Counselling/Support Services

» Community Activity Tips Sheet

» Launch Invitation City of Port Phillip

» Event Reporting Sheet

» Tribute Lodgement Sheet

For further information please do not hesitate to contact either myself on (+61 3) 9536 7703 or 0413 427 144 or Linda Connor on (+61 3) 9536 7792 or forward inquiries via email to access.health@aus.salvationarmy.org  or facsimile (+61 3) 9536 7778

Kind regards,

Sally Finn
Founder
Overdose Awareness Day

@'Salvation Army'
Albert Park Labor MP Martin Foley said in today's 'Age' newspaper that he saw "your stereotypical sex workers and homeless junkies, but also tradies, people in suits, partygoers and healthy looking sporty types"   visiting the St Kilda Needle Exchange recently.
Remember -

It could be your father, your daughter or your loved one...

It could be you...
or me.