COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine will lead the state in observing the fourth annual Overdose Awareness Day on Saturday, August 31, 2024. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about substance use disorder and overdose risks, while also honoring those who have lost their lives to drug addiction.
Established in 2021, Ohio Overdose Awareness Day aims to foster public understanding and reflection on the impact of substance abuse. “Overdose Awareness Day reminds us of our collective responsibility in the fight against addiction. It’s a moment to remember those we’ve lost and to acknowledge the strength of those in recovery. Together, we can turn our grief into action and continue building a future filled with hope for every Ohioan affected by substance use disorder,” Governor DeWine stated.
The observance also marks the beginning of September as Recovery Month, a time to highlight efforts and resources dedicated to recovery and support for those struggling with addiction.
To support local efforts, leaders from Governor DeWine’s RecoveryOhio initiative, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) have developed an Ohio Overdose Awareness Day Toolkit. This resource includes social media graphics, flyers, and digital banners to assist communities and organizations in promoting awareness.
“Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity to honor those who have died from overdose and to raise awareness about the risks of substance use, while also working to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction,” said Aimee Shadwick, director of the RecoveryOhio initiative. “This day brings our communities together to support individuals struggling with addiction and to strengthen our educational and preventive efforts.”
Communities across Ohio will host various events to commemorate Overdose Awareness Day. OhioMHAS has provided nearly $670,000 in mini-grants to support events in 44 counties, with some continuing through September’s Recovery Month. Additionally, ODH has allocated $80,000 in stipends to 32 Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) sites and distributed about 30,000 units of naloxone for Overdose Awareness Day activities.
Local events will feature information on treatment and recovery support services, with some offering free naloxone and fentanyl test strips. “Under Governor DeWine’s leadership, Ohio has implemented one of the nation’s most comprehensive strategies for combating drug addiction and preventing overdose deaths,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “We are making strides and remain committed to ensuring that Ohioans have access to the necessary services and supports.”
Since 2019, Ohio has expanded its opioid treatment programs (OTPs) from 35 to 125, increasing the number of patients served from 21,365 to 38,132. OhioMHAS has also worked to enhance access to recovery housing and peer support services.
In addition to local events, state officials are promoting Naloxone.Ohio.gov, an online resource that simplifies the process for obtaining free naloxone, a critical tool for reversing opioid overdoses. The site aims to streamline access to this life-saving medication and provide valuable prevention and treatment information.
The ODH’s Project DAWN program has seen significant growth in naloxone distribution, with kits increasing from 2,894 in 2014 to 291,722 in 2023, and overdose reversals rising from 190 to 20,368.
In recognition of Overdose Awareness Day, state flags at all state buildings and public institutions will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset. For more details on Governor DeWine’s proclamation and local events, visit RecoveryOhio.gov.
