Saturday is International Overdose Awareness Day. Local communities in Baxter and Marion Counties are coming together to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose.
The observation of this day seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and create change that reduces harms associated with drug use. This year’s theme “Together we can” highlights the strength of coming together and standing in support of those connected to the tragedy of overdose.
The Prevent Awareness Youth Support (PAYS) Coalition has worked together with Baxter and Marion Counties, as well as the cities of Mountain Home and Yellville, to have August 31 recognized with a proclamation encouraging citizens to take time to pause and remember those who have lost their lives to drug misuse and the families who have lost loved ones to this problem.
Nearly 110,000 Americans lost their lives to overdose in 2022. This was roughly a four percent increase from 2021 and the second consecutive year of more than 100,000 overdose deaths.
For more information about the overdose crisis, visit overdoseday.com.
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