International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose. Convened each year by the Melbourne-based Penington Institute, the day acknowledges the grief felt by the family and friends of those who have died or been permanently injured by an overdose, raises awareness of overdose and spreads the message that drug overdose is preventable.

This year’s theme, “Together we can,” encourages people to come together on August 31 and support those connected to the tragedy of overdose. Visit the International Overdose Awareness Day website to learn more and access campaign resources.

Overdose deaths and opioid misuse are a critical problem in BC. The BC government declared a public health emergency eight years ago due to the number of toxic drug related overdoses. When it comes to children and youth, knowing how many young people are using opioids is critical to inform prevention efforts. To learn more about opioid use and prevention in children and young people, see Volume 18, No. 2 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.