An event to remember those who have passed away due to drug overdose and to acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind – minus the stigma – will be held at the end of August.
International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31) is considered the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdoses of licit and illicit drugs and an event will be organised locally by the Limestone Coast Drug Action Team.
Action team chair and Senior Constable First Class Jade Hill said the campaign raises awareness of one of the world’s worst public health crises and stimulates action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy.
“It’s to remember those have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind without stigma – that’s a really important part of this,” Snr Constable Hill said.
“Everybody in our community deserves to feel valued.”
International Overdose Awareness Day provides an opportunity for people to publicly mourn loved ones in a safe environment, some for the first time without feeling guilt or shame.
“It stimulates discussion about overdose prevention and provides basic information on the range of support services available in the community,” SAPOL said.
“A strong aim is to prevent and reduce drug-related harm and to inform people about the risk of overdose.”
The Limestone Coast Drug Action Team and Rotary Mount Gambier West will host a vigil at the Blue Lake at 5:30pm on August 31 to raise awareness about overdose and to commemorate those who have been lost to overdose.
SAPOL stated the event would give community members information about the issue of fatal and non-fatal overdose and send a strong message to current and former drug users that they are valued.
Various landmarks around Mount Gambier such as the Main Corner, Lady Nelson and Centenary Tower will also be lit purple in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.
Community members who would like to attend the vigil are encouraged to wear purple and bring a candle to light or have a candle app on their smartphone device.
QR codes will be available to register attendance at the event for contact tracing purposes only and mask use at the event is preferred.
Life without Barriers’ Tim Brennan, Rotary Mount Gambier West’s Ray Herbert, Substance Misuse Limestone Coast’s Sophie Bourchier and Snr Constable Hill will be speaking briefly at the start of the event.
This event – which will be hosted at the western lookout grassed area next to the cactus garden – is the first of its kind in Mount Gambier and is hoped to be the start of an annual recognition.
