International Overdose Awareness (IOAD) is one of the largest campaigns to end overdose and to promote overdose prevention. Non-profits and governmental organizations across the world have participated in IOAD campaigns since its inception in 2001. Events coordinated for IOAD highlight that drug overdose is preventable and seek to promote local prevention and treatment resources.
On August 31, 2022, the State Opioid Response (SOR) Team and other Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) staff, grantees and partners commemorated IOAD with over 20 events across all 8 wards.
See more photos from events across all 8 wards here - https://photos.app.goo.gl/QHpqzd81k7yUbXyu8
The following are a few highlights:
Ward 1: The Howard University Psychiatry Department and School of Pharmacy hosted a naloxone information session with presentations followed by a naloxone training.
Ward 2: DC Prevention Center for Wards 1 & 2 coordinated a community resource fair at Franklin Park. Participating organizations: MPD, Potter's House, DuPont Circle Mainstreets, CentroNia, District Bridges, Joseph's House, LAYC Sexual Reproductive Health Program, LAYC Health Literacy Program, Ward 2 Council Member Representatives and LAYC Substance Use Disorder Program.
Ward 3: sponsored a screening of “Tipping the Pain Scale” along with a variety of guest speakers including Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.
Ward 4: ANC Commissioner, Paul Johnson, hosted an event at Triangle Park that featured a live DJ and educational resources were distributed
Ward 5: Events were held by various community partners throughout the entire day in Ward 5. Faith-based grantee, Nevertheless Baptist Church, kicked off the day with a naloxone distribution event at the intersection of Bladensburg and North Dakota. Masjid Mohammed, also a faith-based grantee, hosted a variety of guest speakers and gave away materials to their members and local community.
HIPS organized an afternoon event in Starburst Plaza that featured live music from OutDaBox, which was followed by testimonials, music, food, HIV/HEP-C testing, giveaways of care products and naloxone, and other mutual aid and solidarity.
Ward 6: Westminster DC, with over 15 community partners, sponsored “You Are Not Alone,” which included tabling and readings by multiple guest speakers.
Ward 7: Marshall Heights Community Development Organization held a large fair-style event in the afternoon. Service Provider, UPO, held a resource fair for clients that featured music, information materials and rock painting.
Ward 8:The Anacostia Coordinating Council in partnership with the DCPC Wards 7 & 8 held a panel discussion followed by a go-go band with opioid and prevention messages. Care & Progress Inc., a faith-based grantee, hosted an outdoor fair at Catholic Charities 801 East Men's Shelter.
The Health Alliance Network, DCRCA, and DCPC Wards 7 & 8 had a panel discussion and a candlelight vigil commemorating lives lost.