28 August 2024
31 August is International Overdose Awareness Day. International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.
Buildings across the Borders will be illuminated in purple to honour the memory of those who have tragically lost their lives to overdose including TD1 Youth Hub and We Are With You buildings in Galashiels. This marks local communities coming together in a global movement for understanding, compassion and change. We Are With You, Borders Addiction Service and Borders in Recovery will be offering opportunities for people to come together this week to remember those they have lost, including at the drop-in clinics.
Dr Sohail Bhatti, Director of Public Health at NHS Borders and Chair of the Borders Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, said: "By coming together to remember those who have lost their lives, we stand together in working to end overdose in our community.
“We remain committed to taking action to reduce drugs deaths in our region – both by educating people and by implementing measures to reduce the mortality rate of overdose.
“We encourage members of the public with lived experience to come to the events being held on International Overdose Awareness Day to stand in solidarity with others who have been personally affected by overdose.”
To see what events are taking place this week in the Borders and beyond click here. People are encouraged to wear purple if attending the events.
For more information on NHS Borders and We Are With You Addiction Service drop-in clinics click here.
If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s drug use, support information is available here.